A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who is postoperative following scoliosis repair with Harrington rod instrumentation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Reposition the client by log rolling every 4 hr.
Place the client in protective isolation.
Keep the head of the bed at a 30° angle.
Initiate the use of a PCA pump for pain control.
The Correct Answer is D
a. Log rolling is an appropriate technique to reposition a postoperative scoliosis repair patient as it minimizes stress on the spine and helps maintain spinal alignment. Patients need frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort, but every 4 hours may not be frequent enough; typically, every 2 hours is recommended.
b. Protective isolation is not typically required for patients undergoing scoliosis surgery unless they have specific risk factors for infection (e.g., immunocompromised status). Standard postoperative care focuses on monitoring for infection at the surgical site rather than isolation unless indicated by the patient's condition.
c. While it’s important to elevate the head of the bed to assist with breathing and comfort, after scoliosis surgery, the head of the bed is generally elevated to 30-45° to facilitate lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, it should be ensured that this angle does not compromise spinal alignment, especially in the early postoperative period.
d. The use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is an appropriate intervention for pain management after scoliosis surgery. It allows the patient to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, leading to more effective pain management, improved patient satisfaction, and potentially reduced need for supplemental analgesics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice a. Reposition the child every 2 hr.
Choice A rationale:
Repositioning the child every 2 hours is essential to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to promote comfort and circulation.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the traction boot during baths is not recommended as it can disrupt the traction setup and potentially worsen the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Reducing fluid intake is not necessary for managing Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and could lead to dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Applying antibiotic ointment to pin sites daily is not applicable in this scenario as Buck extension traction typically does not involve pin sites.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A.Infants with spina bifida, including those with myelomeningocele, have an increased risk of rectal anomalies, so avoiding rectal temperatures is essential. The correct and safe method of temperature measurement for these infants is typically axillary.
B. Placing the infant in a side-lying positionis not recommended for a child with myelomeningocele. The preferred position isprone to avoid pressure on the sac and reduce the risk of rupture and infection.
C.Maintains a dry dressing over the sac: While the sac should be kept covered, it is typically kept moist with sterile saline-soaked gauze to prevent it from drying out and to minimize the risk of infection.
D.Performs range of motion on the infant's hips: Range of motion exercises might be indicated later on, but initially, the focus is on protecting the sac and preventing complications.
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