Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. When assessing a client with peripheral neuropathy, which question is most important for a nurse to ask?
Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. When assessing a client with peripheral neuropathy, which question is most important for a nurse to ask?
. "Do you have to turn your head to obtain lateral vision?"
. "Can you feel me touching your feet?"
. "At what time of day are the tremors at their worst?"
. "Is the hearing loss worse on one side or the other?"
Test-Taking Tip
Look for a clue in the stem, "neuro." Think of nerves, sensations, and feelings.
Content Area: Adult Health, Neurological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Accident Prevention and Injury Prevention
Safe, Effective Care Environment
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Answer 1 is incorrect because peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage, generally in the feet. It does not affect vision. Answer 2 is correct because peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage in the feet, sometimes also in the legs and upper extremities. Clients have either decreased sensation or neuropathic pain from the condition. Clients with this condition need extra assessments and care to protect the affected extremities from injury. They may require seizure or psychiatric drugs to assist with the pain. If a client has diabetes, avoidance of high blood sugar levels is also important. Answer 3 is incorrect because peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage, generally in the feet. It does not cause tremors. Answer 4 is incorrect because peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage, generally in the feet. It does not cause hearing loss.