The Nurse Palpates an Older Patient's Lower Legs and Notices

question 4

Multiple Choice

The nurse palpates an older patient's lower legs and notices an indentation of approximately 4 mm left by the fingertips, which disappears in about 10 seconds. How will the nurse document this edema in the medical record?

• A) +1
• B) +2
• C) +3
• D) +4

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Definitions:

Dressing Change

The process of removing an old wound dressing and applying a new, clean one to promote healing and prevent infection.

Critical Thinking Attitude

The disposition to engage in thoughtful analysis and ask questions rather than accepting information at face value, essential in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

Radiograph

An imaging technique that uses X-rays to view the internal form of an object, typically used for medical diagnosis.

Fractured Arm

A break in one or more of the bones in the arm, resulting in pain, swelling, and diminished function that requires medical treatment.