When assessing a new patient at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notes dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Instruct the patient about the importance of nutrition in skin health.
b. Make a referral to a podiatrist so that the nails can be safely trimmed.
c. Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.
d. Teach the patient about using moisturizing creams and lotions to decrease dry skin.
ANS: C
The patient has clinical manifestations that could be caused by systemic problems such as malnutrition or hypothyroidism, so further diagnostic evaluation is indicated. Patient teaching about nutrition, addressing the patient's dry skin, and referral to a podiatrist may also be needed, but the priority is to rule out underlying disease that may be causing these manifestations.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is teaching a local community group about the importance of disease prevention. Why is the nurse justified in emphasizing disease prevention as a component of health promotion?
A) Prevention is emphasized as the link between personal behavior and health. B) Most Americans die of preventable causes. C) Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) now emphasize prevention as the main criterion of health care. D) External environment affects the outcome of most disease processes.
On initial nursing rounds, the diabetic client reports "not feeling well." Later, the nurse finds the client to be diaphoretic and in a stuporous state. Which is the immediate action taken by the nurse?
A) Call the physician. B) Obtain a glucometer reading. C) Administer fruit juice. D) Start an IV of dextrose.
A 3-year-old male presents to the clinic, post-hospital discharge, for osteomyelitis. The mother states that "he just stopped walking on his left leg for no reason, he had a high fever, and was in extreme pain
We went to the emergency room and laboratory tests and an MRI were done. He is on IV antibiotics, but I think we should stop the medicine now. He is much better.". Your understanding of the care and treatment of osteomyelitis enables you to respond with which of the following? 1. "Typically speaking, depending on the organism being treated, most patients with osteomyelitis are treated with 6 to 8 weeks of IV antibiotics minimum, followed by a course of oral antibiotics directed by the infection control team.". 2. "Sure, you can stop the antibiotics anytime. I am glad he is much better.". 3. "If you stop the antibiotics now, your child will die.". 4. None of the above responses are correct.
The ability to engage in productive activities and fulfilling relationships with other people, to adapt to change, and to cope with adversity is the definition of
1. Mental illness 2. Mental disorders 3. Mental health 4. Mood disorders