A nurse is caring for a client 8 hr postoperative following a total knee replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Encourage increased fluid take.
Promote bed rest for 5-7 days.
Place a pillow under the affected limb.
Apply cool compresses to the affected limb every 6 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Encouraging adequate fluid intake is important postoperatively to maintain hydration and support normal physiological functions. However, the amount of fluid intake should be within the client's tolerance and as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It helps prevent complications such as dehydration and promotes circulation, which is beneficial for wound healing.
B. While some rest and limited mobility are initially recommended after knee replacement surgery to allow for healing and to prevent complications, prolonged bed rest for 5-7 days is not typically necessary or recommended. Early mobilization and gradual increase in activity are encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery.
C. Placing a pillow directly under the knee is not recommended as it can lead to decreased range of motion and potential contractures.
D. Cold therapy, such as applying cool compresses, is often used to reduce swelling and pain in the initial postoperative period. It can help manage pain and discomfort and promote comfort for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide baseline information about the client's cardiovascular and respiratory status. This assessment helps predict how well the client might tolerate the surgical procedure under anesthesia and monitor for any deviations during the procedure.
B. Establishing baseline vital signs before surgery provides a comparison point for monitoring the client's recovery and identifying any postoperative complications. Changes in vital signs postoperatively can indicate potential issues such as bleeding, fluid imbalance, or respiratory compromise.
C. Monitoring blood pressure before surgery helps identify clients at risk for intraoperative hypotension, particularly important during induction of anesthesia and throughout the surgical procedure. Establishing baseline blood pressure levels guides intraoperative management to maintain hemodynamic stability.
D. While vital signs are important for assessing physiological status, they do not directly assess pain. Pain assessment involves asking the client about their pain experience, location, intensity, and factors that alleviate or exacerbate pain. Vital signs can indirectly reflect pain if pain causes changes in heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Deferasirox is a medication used to treat chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions. It is not used as an antidote for heparin.
B. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin. It works by binding to heparin, neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. Protamine sulfate is typically used in cases of heparin overdose or when rapid reversal of heparin's effects is necessary, such as during surgery or if there is active bleeding.
C. Acetylcysteine is used as an antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose due to its ability to replenish glutathione stores in the liver and protect against liver damage. It has no role in reversing heparin's effects.
D. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. It promotes the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver that are inhibited by warfarin, thus reversing its anticoagulant effects.
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