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 D
Explanation
Choice A:
An absent dorsal pedal pulse would indicate a vascular problem such as arterial occlusion, not a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In the case of DVT, blood flow in the veins is obstructed, but the arterial pulse, which is related to arterial circulation, should remain intact unless there is a separate arterial issue. Therefore, absent pulses are not characteristic of DVT.
Choice B:
Shiny, hairless skin is a sign typically associated with chronic arterial insufficiency, not DVT. This skin change occurs when there is poor arterial blood flow, which leads to a lack of nourishment for the skin, causing it to become thin and shiny. In contrast, DVT affects the veins and does not usually cause these skin changes in the acute phase.
Choice C:
Irregular, bulging veins are indicative of varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, not a DVT. Varicose veins occur when the veins become swollen and twisted due to weak or damaged valves. DVT, on the other hand, involves the formation of a clot in the deep veins and does not typically cause the veins to bulge visibly, especially in the early stages.
Choice D:
Dull, aching pain is a common symptom associated with deep vein thrombosis. This pain typically occurs in the affected extremity and is often described as a constant, aching sensation. The pain can worsen with movement or standing and is due to the inflammation and obstruction caused by the blood clot in the deep veins. This is a hallmark sign of DVT, along with swelling and redness in the affected limb.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A nurse admitting a client who has active tuberculosis should place the client in a room that is ventilated to
the outside. This is an appropriate nursing intervention to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to others.
The other options are not correct.
b) The nurse does not need to wear a gown when delivering the client's food tray but should wear a mask and gloves.
c) Visitors are not prohibited while the client's infection is activebut should be limited and should wear masks.
d) A tuberculin skin test is not necessary prior to discharge as the client has already been diagnosed with active tuberculosis.
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