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 C
Explanation
- A. The LPN and AP lower the side rails before lifting the client up in bed is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by providing more space for movement and reducing the risk of falling.
- B. Prior to lifting the client, the LPN and AP raise the bed to waist level is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by reducing the need for bending and lifting.
- C. The LPN and the AP grasp the client under his arms to lift him up in bed is correct. This is an unsafe practice that can cause injury to the client's shoulders, neck, and axillae by applying excessive pressure and friction. The LPN and AP should use a draw sheet or a mechanical lift device to move the client up in bed.
- D. The LPN and the AP ask the client to flex his knees and push his heels into the bed as they lift is incorrect. This is a safe practice that encourages active participation from the client and reduces the workload for the staff by using leverage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. The nurse should discourage raw fruits due to risk of infection.
- B. There is no standard recommendation against exposure to young children.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should measure the client's temperature at least every 4 hr, or more frequently if indicated because fever is a sign of infection in a client who has neutropenia and requires prompt intervention.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should use disposable gloves from a box inside the client's room, not outside, to prevent cross-contamination and protect the client from exposure to pathogens.
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