A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pins appear red, swollen, and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?
Cleanse the skin around the pins.
Collect a culture of the purulent fluid.
Administer an antibiotic.
Instruct the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.
Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.
Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Tomorrow will be better." is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates false reassurance or denial. False reassurance or denial is a communication barrier that dismisses or minimizes the client's feelings or concerns, and offers unrealistic or vague promises that may not be fulfilled. False reassurance or denial can make the client feel invalidated, misunderstood, or hopeless.
Choice B reason: "This must be hard news to hear. Tell me more about it." is a statement that demonstrates empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Empathy is a communication skill that acknowledges and validates the client's feelings or concerns, and invites the client to express and explore them further. Empathy can make the client feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Choice C reason: "What is your biggest fear about this diagnosis?" is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates probing or prying. Probing or prying is a communication barrier that asks intrusive or inappropriate questions that may make the client feel uncomfortable, defensive, or threatened. Probing or prying can make the client feel violated, judged, or pressured.
Choice D reason: "I believe you can overcome this because I've seen how strong you are." is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates stereotyping or labeling. Stereotyping or labeling is a communication barrier that assigns a fixed or generalized characteristic to a person or a situation, without considering the individuality or uniqueness of the person or the situation. Stereotyping or labeling can make the client feel objectified, devalued, or misunderstood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: "You should never go around people after your baby is born." is not a good response, because it is unrealistic, rigid, and dismissive of the mother's concern. It does not acknowledge the benefits of social interaction and support for the mother and the baby, nor the risks of isolation and depression. It also does not provide any evidence or rationale for the advice.
Choice B reason: "Tell me more about that." is the best response, because it is openended, empathetic, and respectful of the mother's concern. It invites the mother to share her feelings and thoughts, and allows the nurse to explore the source and extent of the mother's anxiety. It also creates an opportunity for the nurse to provide education and reassurance based on the mother's needs.
Choice C reason: "I did that, and my kids turned out just fine." is not a good response, because it is personal, irrelevant, and unprofessional. It does not address the mother's concern, but rather shifts the focus to the nurse's own experience, which may not be applicable or helpful to the mother. It also implies that the mother's concern is unfounded or exaggerated, and may make the mother feel judged or defensive.
Choice D reason: "Why do you think that is a bad idea?" is not a good response, because it is closedended, confrontational, and accusatory. It does not show empathy or respect for the mother's concern, but rather challenges or criticizes it. It may make the mother feel defensive or guilty, and may discourage further communication.
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