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A nurse is providing nail care for a client.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Trim the nails at the lateral corners.

Trimming the nails at the lateral corners can lead to ingrown toenails, which can cause pain and infection.

B. Clean under the nail with an orange stick.

Cleaning under nails with an orange stick safely removes debris without damaging nail bed or cuticle, reducing infection risk and maintaining proper hygiene.

C. File the nails in a rounded shape.

Filing nails in a rounded shape can predispose to ingrown nails; straight filing is safer and recommended for older adults to prevent complications.

D. Push the cuticles back with a metal nail file.

Pushing the cuticles back with a metal nail file can cause injury and infection.

This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI RN Med Surg Custom Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now


Full Explanation

Choice A rationale: Trimming nails at lateral corners increases risk of ingrown nails and tissue injury, especially in older adults with fragile skin and poor circulation.

Choice B rationale: Cleaning under nails with an orange stick safely removes debris without damaging nail bed or cuticle, reducing infection risk and maintaining proper hygiene.

Choice C rationale: Filing nails in a rounded shape can predispose to ingrown nails; straight filing is safer and recommended for older adults to prevent complications.

Choice D rationale: Pushing cuticles back with a metal nail file can cause trauma, infection, and damage to nail matrix, making this practice unsafe in clinical nail care.


Similar Questions

QUESTION

A nurse is caring for a client who has had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. Which of the following alterations in function should the nurse expect?

A. Aphasia.

Aphasia, or difficulty with language, is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.

B. Inability to recognize his family members.

Right hemisphere strokes often result in difficulty recognizing familiar people and objects.

C. Right hemiparesis.

Right hemiparesis, or weakness on the right side of the body, is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.

D. Difficulty reading.

Difficulty reading is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Aphasia, or difficulty with language, is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.
Choice B rationale:
Right hemisphere strokes often result in difficulty recognizing familiar people and objects.
Choice C rationale:
Right hemiparesis, or weakness on the right side of the body, is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.
Choice D rationale:
Difficulty reading is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes.
 

QUESTION

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of venous insufficiency.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "Place your legs in a dependent position while in bed.”.

Placing the legs in a dependent position can increase venous pressure and exacerbate venous insufficiency.

B. "Remain on bed rest.”.

Bed rest can lead to venous stasis and worsen venous insufficiency.

C. "Use elastic stockings.”.

Using elastic stockings can help improve venous return and reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency.

D. "Apply ice packs to your legs.”.

Applying ice packs can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, which is not recommended for venous insufficiency.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Placing the legs in a dependent position can increase venous pressure and exacerbate venous insufficiency.
Choice B rationale:
Bed rest can lead to venous stasis and worsen venous insufficiency.
Choice C rationale:
Using elastic stockings can help improve venous return and reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency.
Choice D rationale:
Applying ice packs can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, which is not recommended for venous insufficiency.
 

QUESTION

A nurse is reviewing the serum laboratory findings for a client who has hypertension and is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide.

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?.

A. Potassium 2.3 mEq/L.

Potassium 2.3 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L1. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium.

B. Chloride 99 mEq/L.

Chloride 99 mEq/L is within the normal range of 96 to 106 mEq/L2, so it’s not a concern.

C. Sodium 136 mEq/L.

Sodium 136 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L3, so it’s not a concern.

D. Calcium 10 mg/dL.

Calcium 10 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL4, so it’s not a concern.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Potassium 2.3 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L1. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium.
Choice B rationale:
Chloride 99 mEq/L is within the normal range of 96 to 106 mEq/L2, so it’s not a concern.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 136 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L3, so it’s not a concern.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 10 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL4, so it’s not a concern.