Which clinical finding by the nurse is considered normal in the older adult client?
1. A hemoglobin of 10 g/dL two days post-joint replacement
2. Reports of the hands and feet feeling extremely warm
3. Skin tear with bruising, re-bleeding, and prolonged healing time
4. Poor or weak pulse amplitude in bilateral lower extremities
1. A hemoglobin of 10 g/dL two days post-joint replacement
Explanation: 1. Red blood cell reserve and replacement is slower in the older adult client. Anemia after joint surgery is sometimes increased and prolonged. Transfusions are done for symptomatic clients. This is a normal finding.
2. Thrombocythemia is the state of having too many platelets in the blood, resulting in an increased risk of hemorrhage or clot. Vague symptoms include feeling of burning pain and redness on hands and feet, headache, and visual changes.
3. Once the wound has stopped bleeding, it should not begin bleeding again.
4. Stasis of blood flow or reduced circulation is a finding associated with a chronic condition such as atherosclerosis.
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