When assessing the skin of an elderly client, the nurse notes tenting. The nurse understands what about this assessment?
This would indicate pitting edema
This may indicate dehydration, but might not be reliable in an older adult
This means the client is well hydrated
This indicates peripheral neuropathy
The Correct Answer is B
A) This would indicate pitting edema: Tenting is not indicative of pitting edema, which is characterized by a depression left in the skin after pressure is applied. Tenting specifically refers to the skin's elasticity and is assessed by pinching the skin, observing how quickly it returns to its normal position.
B) This may indicate dehydration, but might not be reliable in an older adult: Tenting is often a sign of dehydration, as it reflects decreased skin elasticity. However, in elderly individuals, skin changes due to aging (like reduced elasticity and moisture) may make this assessment less reliable. Factors such as medications, health status, and overall skin integrity can also influence this observation, making it necessary to consider other indicators of hydration.
C) This means the client is well hydrated: Tenting does not indicate adequate hydration. In fact, it typically suggests the opposite, as well-hydrated skin should return to normal quickly after being pinched.
D) This indicates peripheral neuropathy: While peripheral neuropathy can affect skin and tissue integrity, tenting specifically relates to skin turgor and elasticity rather than nerve function. Tenting is not a direct indicator of neuropathy; other assessments would be needed to evaluate nerve health.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Third left ICS: The third left intercostal space (ICS) is typically associated with the auscultation of the pulmonic valve rather than the tricuspid valve. While it is in the vicinity of the heart, it is not the correct location for assessing the tricuspid area.
B) Second right ICS: The second right intercostal space is where the aortic valve is best heard. This location is important for assessing blood flow through the aorta, but it is not relevant for the tricuspid valve auscultation.
C) Fourth left ICS: The tricuspid valve is best auscultated at the fourth left intercostal space along the left sternal border. This area allows for optimal listening to the sounds produced by the tricuspid valve, providing important information about right heart function.
D) Second left ICS: The second left intercostal space is the auscultation point for the pulmonic valve, not the tricuspid valve. While this area is critical for assessing the heart, it does not correspond to the location for the tricuspid valve.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age: While thinning skin and decreased turgor can be common in older adults, the specific combination of findings, including the patient feeling cold, suggests that further investigation is warranted rather than assuming they are normal.
B) The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold: Thin skin and non-elastic turgor can be indicative of aging, but the sensation of always feeling cold may point to an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism or poor circulation, which can affect thermoregulation.
C) The patient has abnormal thinning of skin: While skin thinning is common in older adults, it is not necessarily "abnormal" in the context of aging. However, in conjunction with other symptoms like non-elastic turgor and cold sensitivity, it may warrant further evaluation.
D) The patient should have elastic turgor: In older adults, it is common to see decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin. Therefore, expecting the patient to have elastic turgor may not be appropriate, as it reflects the natural aging process rather than a healthy standard.