A nurse is assessing an adult client who has been immobile for the past 3 weeks. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale Erythema on pressure points is a primary indicator of stage 1 pressure injuries, signaling that the skin and underlying tissues are undergoing localized hypoxia due to compressed blood vessels. In an immobile client, redness that does not blanch indicates that microcirculation is compromised. The nurse must intervene immediately by implementing a repositioning schedule to restore blood flow and prevent the progression to full-thickness tissue necrosis. Choice B rationale A pulse strength of 2+ is considered a normal finding in an adult, indicating a brisk and palpable arterial flow. While immobility increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis due to venous stasis, a 2+ pulse suggests that the peripheral arterial circulation is currently adequate. The nurse should continue to monitor for other signs of vascular issues, but this specific finding does not require an immediate corrective intervention. Choice C rationale Although high fluid intake is encouraged to prevent renal calculi and constipation in immobile clients, an intake of less than 3,000 mL per day is not necessarily an emergency. Many adults maintain adequate hydration with 2,000 to 2,500 mL daily. Unless the client shows signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or poor skin turgor, this finding is less urgent than the signs of localized tissue ischemia seen in erythema. Choice D rationale Having a bowel movement every other day is often within the normal range for many healthy adults. While immobility significantly decreases gastrointestinal motility and increases the risk of constipation, a frequency of every 48 hours is not inherently pathological. The nurse should assess for stool consistency and abdominal distension, but a specific intervention is not required solely based on this frequency if the client remains comfortable.