The nurse is preparing to assess the ankle-brachial index (ABI) of a patient. Which statement about the ABI is true?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) An ABI of 0.9 to 0.7 indicates the presence of peripheral vascular disease and mild claudication. This statement is accurate because a normal ABI ranges from 1.0 to 1.4, and a lower ABI suggests the presence of peripheral arterial disease. An ABI between 0.91 and 0.7 is considered borderline, indicating mild to moderate peripheral vascular disease and potential claudication. Option A is incorrect because normal ABI indices range from 1.0 to 1.4, not 0.5 to 1.0. Option B is incorrect as normal ankle pressure is expected to be higher than brachial pressure due to the hydrostatic pressure gradient in the lower extremities. Option C is incorrect because while ABI is a valuable tool in assessing peripheral vascular disease, it is not exclusive to individuals with diabetes but is applicable to a broader population. In an educational context, understanding ABI is crucial for nurses in assessing peripheral vascular disease, especially in patients with conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Correctly interpreting ABI results can aid in early detection, intervention, and prevention of complications related to vascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of accurate assessment and interpretation of vital signs in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a patient recently placed on antihypertensive medication, the appropriate type of data collection would be a Follow-up database. This choice is correct because the patient's situation calls for monitoring and assessing the response to the new medication over time to evaluate its effectiveness and potential side effects. A Complete database would involve gathering a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, which are not necessary in this scenario as the focus is on the specific issue of the new antihypertensive medication. A Focused or problem-centered database would be too limited since it may not capture all the relevant information needed to track the patient's response to the medication adequately. An Emergency database would be inappropriate as this situation does not present an acute or life-threatening condition requiring immediate assessment and intervention. From an educational perspective, understanding the appropriate use of different types of data collection methods is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively assess and manage patient care. Teaching students to match the level of data collection to the clinical situation helps develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills in providing optimal patient care. This rationale underscores the importance of contextually appropriate data collection in healthcare practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of vital signs and pain assessment, the statement "You sound upset. Please tell me more about what happened today" is considered therapeutic. This is because it demonstrates empathy and active listening, which are crucial in building a therapeutic relationship with the patient. By acknowledging the patient's emotions and inviting them to share more, the healthcare provider shows they are attentive and caring about the patient's well-being. This approach can help the patient feel heard, understood, and supported, which can positively impact their overall health outcomes. In contrast, a nontherapeutic response could be dismissive or lacking in empathy. For example, a response like "You shouldn't be upset about that" could be considered nontherapeutic as it invalidates the patient's feelings and does not encourage open communication. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the significance of therapeutic communication in patient care. By learning to respond empathetically and actively listen to patients, providers can enhance the quality of care, strengthen the patient-provider relationship, and improve patient outcomes. Teaching and practicing effective communication skills like the one demonstrated in the given statement is essential for healthcare professionals to deliver patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of vital signs and pain assessment, understanding musculoskeletal conditions like Panner's disease is crucial for healthcare professionals. Panner's disease is characterized by epiphyseal aseptic necrosis of the capitulum, which is the correct answer (D). This condition commonly affects children and adolescents, causing pain and restricted motion in the elbow joint. Option A, osteochondritis dessicans of the trochlea, refers to a different condition involving the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of the elbow joint, not the capitulum. Option B, traumatic elbow dislocation, is a mechanical injury rather than a necrotic condition. Option C, median nerve compression at the elbow by lacertus fibrosis, describes a nerve entrapment syndrome, not a bone pathology like Panner's disease. Educationally, knowing the specifics of Panner's disease helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of elbow pain in pediatric patients. Understanding the differences between similar conditions enhances clinical reasoning skills and ensures proper treatment strategies are employed, reflecting a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In lateral ankle sprains, the most commonly injured ligament is the Anterior talofibular ligament (Option B). This ligament is crucial for stabilizing the ankle joint during movements like inversion. When the ankle rolls outward, as in a typical lateral sprain, the Anterior talofibular ligament is under the most stress and is often the first to be injured. Option A, the Calcaneofibular ligament, is also involved in ankle stability but is not as commonly injured in lateral sprains as the Anterior talofibular ligament. Option C, the Tibionavicular ligament, is located on the inner side of the ankle and is not typically involved in lateral sprains. Option D, the Posterior talofibular ligament, is located on the back of the ankle and is not usually implicated in lateral sprains. Understanding the specific ligaments involved in ankle sprains is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in sports medicine or orthopedics. Knowing which ligaments are commonly injured can guide assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies for patients with ankle injuries. This knowledge helps in accurately diagnosing the injury, planning appropriate interventions, and preventing long-term complications like chronic instability or joint degeneration.