A nurse is discussing with a patient who has reported acute lower back pain after lifting heavy boxes. What information should the nurse emphasize?
Turn the torso at the waist when reaching for objects.
Use ice packs intermittently for 48 hours.
Use 10 lb arm weights to start strengthening the back muscles.
Stay in bed except for toileting during the first 24 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Turning the torso at the waist when reaching for objects can actually increase the risk of back injury. It’s important to keep the back straight and bend at the knees when lifting or reaching for objects.
Choice B rationale
Using ice packs intermittently for 48 hours is a common recommendation for acute lower back pain. Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief. It’s important to use the ice packs intermittently, not continuously, to avoid frostbite.
Choice C rationale
Using 10 lb arm weights to start strengthening the back muscles is not recommended for someone with acute lower back pain. Heavy lifting can exacerbate the pain and potentially cause further injury. It’s better to start with gentle, low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity as the back heals.
Choice D rationale
Staying in bed except for toileting during the first 24 hours is not typically recommended for acute lower back pain. While rest is important, prolonged bed rest can actually lead to muscle stiffness and increased pain. It’s generally recommended to stay as active as possible without exacerbating the pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pursed-lip breathing can help improve oxygenation and reduce shortness of breath in clients with COPD. However, it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen flow rate without a physician’s order can lead to oxygen toxicity or suppress the respiratory drive in clients with COPD. Therefore, this is not the priority action.
Choice C rationale
Coughing and expectorating secretions can help clear the airways, but it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the client’s respiratory status is the priority action. The nurse should assess the client’s breath sounds, respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and oxygen saturation to determine the severity of the client’s difficulty breathing and guide further interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Withholding the medication until the prescribing provider is available could potentially put the patient at risk, especially if the medication is critical for the patient’s health and well-being.
Choice B rationale
Requesting to speak with the provider who is covering for the prescriber is the most appropriate action in this situation. This allows the nurse to clarify the prescription and ensure the safety of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Contacting the pharmacy to confirm that the dosage is safe to administer could be a part of the process, but it should not be the first step. The nurse should first contact a healthcare provider to discuss the prescription.
Choice D rationale
Informing the charge nurse and administering the usual dose of the medication without first consulting with a healthcare provider could potentially put the patient at risk.
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