A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cross the client's legs when sitting in the recliner.
Provide a heating pad to the operative hip.
Place a pillow between the legs when turning the client to their side.
Have the client lean forward when assisting them out of the bed.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not cross the client's legs when sitting in the recliner following a total left hip arthroplasty. Crossing the legs can put strain on the operative hip and may increase the risk of dislocation or other complications.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a heating pad to the operative hip is not recommended. Heat can increase blood flow to the area and may lead to increased swelling and potential complications in the postoperative period.
Choice C rationale:
Placing a pillow between the legs when turning the client to their side is the correct action. This technique is known as the "abduction pillow”. or "wedge pillow.”. It helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevents the operated leg from crossing the midline, reducing the risk of dislocation and promoting healing.
Choice D rationale:
Having the client lean forward when assisting them out of the bed is not appropriate after a total left hip arthroplasty. Leaning forward can put strain on the hip joint and increase the risk of injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The combination of widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and bradycardia (heart rate of 55/min) on telemetry monitoring suggests hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels in the blood can cause delayed repolarization of cardiac cells, leading to widened QRS complexes and PVCs. Bradycardia is another common manifestation of hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Hypocalcemia, characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, but it typically presents with a prolonged QT interval rather than widened QRS complexes and PVCs.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperglycemia, which is high blood glucose levels, does not directly affect the electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters like QRS width or heart rate. It may have systemic effects, but it is not responsible for the ECG changes described in the scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, can cause muscle weakness and may have systemic effects, but it is not associated with the specific ECG changes seen in hyperkalemia, such as widened QRS complexes and PVCs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: C. "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."
Rationale:
A) "Administer this medication into your leg muscle."
Enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdominal area, not into a muscle. Injecting it intramuscularly can lead to unpredictable absorption and increase the risk of bleeding.
B) "Expel the excess air in the syringe before you administer the medication."
This statement is incorrect. For enoxaparin, it is recommended to retain the air bubble in the syringe. The air bubble helps ensure the entire dose is delivered and minimizes leakage at the injection site.
C) "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."
This is an appropriate instruction as it emphasizes the need to fully insert the needle for effective subcutaneous delivery of enoxaparin. Proper technique is essential to ensure the medication is administered as intended.
D) "Take ibuprofen for fever following administration of this medication."
This recommendation is not advisable because ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken concurrently with enoxaparin. The client should consult their healthcare provider for safe alternatives for managing fever or pain.
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