A nurse is caring for an adolescent.
Admission Assessment 1400:
Adolescent brought to emergency department by parents following a fall while skateboarding. Adolescent reports pain in . their right leg as 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 and is unable to bear weight.
Adolescent is awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Lungs clear, respirations even and regular. S1 and S2 with regular rate and rhythm. Abdomen soft and nontender with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Right lower extremity with open wound and displaced bone. Right lower extremity pulse +1, extremity cool to touch, edema present, capillary refill 4 seconds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take after the adolescent returns from surgery?
Select all that apply.
Remove indwelling urinary catheter when no longer indicated
Elevate affected limb at chest level
Assist the adolescent with ambulation from bed to chair
Perform neurovascular assessments every hour
Apply warm packs to right extremity for the first 24hrs
Correct Answer : A,B,D
The correct answers are A, B, and D.
Choice A reason:
Removing an indwelling urinary catheter when it is no longer indicated is a standard postoperative care practice. It helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common complications associated with prolonged catheter use. The normal practice is to remove the catheter as soon as the patient can use the bathroom independently or when medically advised.
Choice B reason:
Elevating the affected limb at chest level can help reduce swelling and improve venous return. This is particularly important after surgery involving the lower extremities to prevent edema and promote circulation. Proper elevation assists in managing pain and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Choice C reason:
Assisting with ambulation from bed to chair immediately after surgery may not be appropriate, especially if the adolescent has had surgery on the lower extremity. It is essential to wait for the physician's evaluation and specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and movement post-surgery.
Choice D reason:
Performing neurovascular assessments every hour is crucial after surgery on an extremity. This involves checking for sensation, motor function, color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulse strength. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds; a refill time of 4 seconds, as noted in the assessment, is abnormal and warrants close monitoring. Frequent assessments help in early detection of complications such as compartment syndrome.
Choice E reason:
Applying warm packs to the right extremity for the first 24 hours post-surgery is not recommended. Warm packs can increase circulation to the area, potentially increasing swelling and bleeding. Instead, cold packs are usually applied to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. The use of warm packs can be considered after the initial 24-hour period, depending on the surgeon's instructions and the wound's response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instructing a staff member to maintain a log of emergency care provided is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important task, but it can be done later, after ensuring the safety of the staff and children and providing immediate care to those who need it.
B. Applying cervical spine collars to children who have suspected neck trauma is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a priority intervention, but it can only be done after surveying the scene for potential hazards and making sure that it is safe to approach and touch the children.
C. Notifying guardians of the emergency and injuries to their children is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a necessary step, but it can be delegated to another staff member or done after providing initial care to the children.
D. Surveying the scene for potential hazards to staff and children is the correct answer. This is the first action that the nurse should take, according to the principles of emergency care. The nurse needs to assess the situation and ensure that there are no dangers such as fire, electricity, gas, or falling debris that could harm anyone at the scene. The nurse also needs to determine how many children are injured, how severe their injuries are, and what resources are available to help them.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A is correct because facilitating an interdisciplinary conference at the new facility for the family can help address their concerns, provide information about the client's plan of care, and promote continuity of care.
- B is incorrect because referring the client and family to a social worker for assistance and a follow-up meeting is not enough to address their immediate concerns and does not involve other members of the health care team.
- C is incorrect because reassuring the client's family that the same provider will provide care at the new facility may not be true and does not address their specific concerns about the level of care.
- D is incorrect because telling the family that the rehabilitation facility has an excellent client care record is not enough to address their specific concerns and may sound dismissive.
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