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 D
d. Apply the dressing loosely over the incision.
Explanation:
The correct answer is d. Apply the dressing loosely over the incision.
When caring for an older adult client, it is important for the nurse to be sensitive to age-related changes and promote their comfort and well-being. Applying the dressing loosely over the incision allows for beter circulation and ventilation, which can help prevent complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
Option a is not the correct answer. Asking the client to help with the dressing change may not be appropriate, as postoperative clients, especially older adults, may have limited mobility or dexterity. It is the nurse's responsibility to provide the necessary care and support during the dressing change.
Option b is not the correct answer. Waiting for the client to approach the nurse for assistance may lead to delays in care and could potentially compromise the client's healing process. The nurse should proactively assess the client's needs and provide appropriate care.
Option c is not the correct answer. Using paper tape for securing the new dressing does not specifically address sensitivity to age-related changes. While paper tape may be gentle on the skin, it is not the primary consideration in this situation.
By applying the dressing loosely over the incision, the nurse demonstrates sensitivity to age-related changes and promotes the client's comfort and optimal healing. This approach takes into account the potential for decreased skin elasticity and fragility in older adults, allowing for proper circulation and reducing the risk of complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should apply a heat pack 5 to 10 minutes prior to the procedure when planning to obtain blood from a newborn via a heel stick. This helps to increase blood flow to the area and makes it easier to obtain the specimen.
a) Puncturing the heel to a depth of 4 mm is too deep and can cause injury to the newborn. The recommended depth for a heel stick is 2.4 mm or less.
b) Withholding feeding prior to collecting the specimen is not necessary.
d) Elevating the newborn's foot for 15 minutes following the procedure is not necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
b. "Everyone who lives in the home will need medication."
The nurse should inform the guardian that everyone who lives in the home will need medication when reinforcing teaching about enterobiasis. Enterobiasis, also known as pinworm infection, is highly contagious, and it can easily spread from person to person within the household. Treating only the affected individual may not be sufficient to eliminate the infection completely, as other household members may also be infected or at risk of reinfection.
Explanation for the other options:
a. "One dose of medication is all that will be necessary." Enterobiasis is typically treated with a medication regimen that involves taking multiple doses over a period of time. This is to ensure that all stages of the pinworm life cycle are targeted and eradicated. A single dose is usually not sufficient to eliminate the infection completely.
c. "Allow the child to take tub baths instead of showers." The choice of tub baths or showers does not directly impact the treatment or prevention of enterobiasis. Both methods of bathing can be used, but it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper cleaning of the perianal area, to reduce the risk of reinfection.
d. "Wash all clothes and bed linens in cold water." While proper hygiene practices and laundering of clothes and bed linens are important in preventing the spread of enterobiasis, using cold water alone may not be sufficient. Washing clothes and bed linens in hot water (at a temperature of at least 60°C or 140°F) is recommended to kill any pinworm eggs that may be present.
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