A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse is preparing to change the client's surgical dressing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to demonstrate sensitivity to age-related changes?
Ask the client to help with the dressing change
Wait for the client to approach the nurse for assistance
Use paper tape for securing the new dressing
Apply the dressing loosely over the incision
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Asking the client to assist with a surgical dressing change following a total hip arthroplasty may be inappropriate due to the client's postoperative physical limitations and hip precautions. While fostering independence is generally positive, it does not specifically address the physiological age-related changes of the integumentary system. The primary concern in this scenario is protecting the integrity of the client's fragile skin during adhesive removal.
B. Waiting for a client to request assistance for a scheduled postoperative dressing change is a deviation from the standard plan of care and proactive nursing management. Postoperative wound care is a scheduled clinical priority to monitor for infection and promote healing. This action does not demonstrate sensitivity to age-related physiological changes and could potentially lead to delayed detection of surgical site complications or wound dehiscence.
C. Using paper tape is the most appropriate action because older adults possess a thinner stratum corneum and diminished cohesion between the dermis and epidermis. Traditional plastic or silk adhesives can cause epidermal stripping and skin tears upon removal due to their high tackiness. Paper tape provides sufficient securement for the surgical dressing while minimizing the risk of mechanical injury to the sensitive, translucent skin of an elderly patient.
D. Applying a dressing loosely over a fresh surgical incision is contraindicated as it fails to provide an adequate microbial barrier and does not support wound healing. A loose dressing may shift, causing friction against the incision line or allowing contaminants to reach the surgical site. To demonstrate age-related sensitivity, the nurse must ensure the dressing is secure while using materials that are gentle on the surrounding atrophic skin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Periorbital edema.
Explanation: Acute glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the glomeruli of the kidneys. It is commonly characterized by periorbital edema, which is swelling around the eyes. This occurs due to fluid retention and impaired kidney function. Other common manifestations of acute glomerulonephritis include hypertension (increased blood pressure), dark or tea-colored urine (hematuria), decreased urine output, and signs of fluid overload such as edema in the hands, feet, and face.
Option a, decreased blood pressure, is not typically seen in acute glomerulonephritis. Instead, hypertension is a common finding due to fluid retention and increased blood volume.
Option b, pale yellow urine, is not expected in acute glomerulonephritis. Instead, urine may appear dark or
tea-colored due to the presence of blood (hematuria).
Option d, increased urination, is not a characteristic finding in acute glomerulonephritis. Instead, there is often a decrease in urine output or oliguria.
It is important to note that individual presentations may vary, and the nurse should consider the complete clinical picture and the child's specific symptoms when assessing for acute glomerulonephritis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hyponatremia refers to a lower-than-normal level of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an essential electrolyte involved in various bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance and transmitting nerve impulses. When sodium levels are low, it can lead to fluid imbalances, affecting the function of muscles and nerves. Muscle cramps are a common manifestation of hyponatremia and occur due to alterations in muscle excitability and contractility.
Constipation: Constipation is not typically associated with hyponatremia. It can occur due to various reasons, such as dietary factors, lack of physical activity, or other medical conditions, but it is not a direct consequence of low sodium levels.
Hypertension: Hyponatremia is not usually associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension can be caused by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions, but it is not directly related to low sodium levels.
Blurred vision: While blurred vision can occur in some medical conditions, such as diabetes or certain eye disorders, it is not a typical finding in hyponatremia. Visual disturbances are not a direct consequence of low sodium levels.
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