A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client about promoting circulation during the postoperative period.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Participate in range-of-motion exercises
Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours
Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure
Place a pillow under your knees while in bed
The Correct Answer is A
This instruction will help the client to prevent venous stasis and thrombosis, which are common postoperative complications. Range-of-motion exercises promote blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.
Choice B. “Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours.” is wrong because it is not related to promoting circulation, but rather to improving lung expansion and preventing atelectasis and pneumonia. Using an incentive spirometer is also important for postoperative clients, but it does not address the question.
Choice C. “Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure.” is wrong because it is the opposite of promoting circulation.
Bed rest increases the risk of venous stasis, thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Postoperative clients should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible, unless contraindicated.
Choice D. “Place a pillow under your knees while in bed.” is wrong because it also impairs circulation and increases the risk of thrombosis.
Placing a pillow under the knees can cause pressure on the popliteal veins and reduce blood flow. Postoperative clients should avoid this position and keep their legs in a neutral or slightly elevated position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Taking a hot shower in the morning can help decrease stiffness and improve joint mobility for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the self-management strategies that can reduce pain and disability.
Choice A is wrong because applying cold packs directly on the skin of the affected joints can cause vasoconstriction and increase inflammation.
Cold therapy should be used with caution and with a barrier between the skin and the ice pack.
Choice B is wrong because biological response modifiers are not used to prevent infection, but to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
These medications can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.
Choice D is wrong because clustering physical activities during the day can cause fatigue and joint stress for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is better to pace activities throughout the day and take frequent breaks to rest the joints.
Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are based on the disease activity score (DAS), which measures the number of swollen and tender joints, the level of inflammation in the blood, and the patient’s global assessment of health. A DAS below 2.6 indicates remission, a DAS between 2.6 and 3.2 indicates low disease activity, a DAS between 3.2 and 5.1 indicates moderate disease activity, and a DAS above 5.1 indicates high disease activity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside a blood vessel that can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. It can indicate bleeding from the artery where the catheter was inserted, which can be a serious complication of cardiac catheterization.
The nurse should notify the provider immediately if a hematoma is observed.
Choice A is wrong because heart rate 90/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a complication.
Choice C is wrong because bounding pulses in the affected extremity are expected after cardiac catheterization, as they indicate good blood flow to the area.
Choice D is wrong because report of discomfort at the insertion site is common and usually mild after cardiac catheterization.
The nurse can provide pain relief as needed, but does not need to notify the provider unless the pain is severe or persistent.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60-100 beats per minute for adults. Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic pressure and 80 mmHg or lower for diastolic pressure. Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95-100% for adults.
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