When inspecting the client’s skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client’s history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?
Works in a day care center.
Adheres to a gluten-free diet.
Takes an oral anticoagulant.
Recently had dental surgery.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Working in a day care center may expose the client to minor injuries or infections, but it is not directly associated with widespread ecchymosis. Ecchymosis is more likely related to systemic issues rather than occupational hazards.
Choice B rationale
Adhering to a gluten-free diet is typically related to managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Ecchymosis is not a typical manifestation of gluten intolerance.
Choice C rationale
Taking an oral anticoagulant medication increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest as ecchymosis (bruising) on the skin. Anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, leading to bleeding into the skin and subsequent ecchymosis.
Choice D rationale
Dental surgery may involve procedures that could cause minor trauma to the oral tissues, leading to localized bruising around the mouth or jaw area. However, this localized bruising would typically not explain the presence of ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diabetes mellitus can lead to various complications affecting the nails, such as yellowing or thickening due to poor circulation and infections, but it is not typically associated with brittle, concave (spoon-shaped) nails.
Choice B rationale
Iron deficiency anemia is often associated with brittle, spoon-shaped (concave) nails, known as koilonychia. This condition affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to changes in the nail beds.
Choice C rationale
Coronary heart disease can lead to changes in the nails due to poor circulation, but it is not commonly associated with brittle, concave nails. Other nail changes might include clubbing or cyanosis.
Choice D rationale
Recent candida infection can affect the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, or separated from the nail bed, but it does not typically cause the nails to become brittle and concave.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus, often due to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain, but the pain is typically not related to hunger and food intake as described in the scenario.
Choice B rationale
Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice C rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. While GERD can cause epigastric discomfort, the described pattern of pain worsening with hunger and improving after eating is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice D rationale
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is the correct answer. The symptoms described, including gnawing epigastric pain that worsens when hungry and improves after eating, are classic manifestations of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Peptic ulcers are erosions in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)5.