In assessing a patient with renal disease, the nurse palpates edema in both ankles and feet. Based on this finding, what question does the nurse ask the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question "Have you had an unexpected weight gain?" relating to weight gain and edema suggests fluid retention that occurs with renal or heart disease, particularly renal failure. The question "Have you had any pain in your abdomen?" does not relate to renal disease. The pain experienced with renal disease is usually flank pain over the costovertebral angle. The question "Have you noticed a change in the color of your skin?" does not relate to renal disease. It might relate to liver or gallbladder disease if the change in skin color was yellow, indicating jaundice. The question "Have you had any nausea or vomiting?" usually relates to disorders within the gastrointestinal tract itself and not renal disease.

In Assessing a Patient with Renal Disease, the Nurse Palpates