A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is 1 day postoperative following spinal fusion.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Assist the client to sit upright in a chair for 4 hr at a time.
Expect clear drainage on the spinal dressing.
Elevate the client’s legs when he is lying on his side.
Log roll the client every 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for 4 hr at a time is not recommended postoperatively following spinal fusion. This could put undue stress on the surgical site and potentially lead to complications.
Choice B rationale
Expecting clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not accurate. Any drainage from the surgical site should be closely monitored for signs of infection, but clear drainage is not typically expected.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client’s legs when he is lying on his side is not a specific intervention related to postoperative care following spinal fusion.
Choice D rationale
Log rolling the client every 2 hr is the correct intervention. This technique is used to maintain proper alignment and prevent undue stress on the surgical site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Handling the cast with the palms of the hands is recommended, especially when the cast is still wet and not fully hardened. This helps to avoid indentations and pressure points that could lead to discomfort or skin complications.
Choice B rationale
Drying the cast with a hair dryer is not typically recommended. Excessive heat can cause the cast material to weaken and can also burn the skin.
Choice C rationale
Keeping the casted leg in a dependent position is not recommended. This can lead to increased swelling and discomfort.
Choice D rationale
Covering the patient’s legs with a blanket is not specifically related to the care of a fresh cast. While it may provide comfort, it does not have a direct impact on the care or outcome of the cast.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Attaching the chest tube system to the foot of the bed is not recommended. This position could potentially cause the system to tip over or become disconnected, which could lead to complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax.
Choice B rationale
The chest tube system should be placed below the level of the patient’s chest. This allows for gravity-assisted drainage of air and fluid from the thoracic cavity, which is crucial for the patient’s recovery. The system works on a water seal that prevents air or fluid from entering the pleural space. Placing the system below the chest level ensures that the water seal is maintained, preventing backflow of fluid or air into the pleural space.
Choice C rationale
Placing the system along the side of the patient’s knee is not appropriate. This position does not facilitate effective drainage of air and fluid from the thoracic cavity. It could also lead to discomfort and potential dislodgement of the system.
Choice D rationale
Placing the system at the level of the patient’s clavicle is not recommended. This position is too high and could disrupt the water seal, leading to ineffective drainage and potential complications.
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