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 D
Explanation
I will need to keep my hand elevated above my heart for several days.” This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected hand after carpal tunnel surgery.
Elevation promotes venous return and prevents fluid accumulation in the tissues.
Choice A is wrong because applying heat for the first 24 hours can increase blood flow and swelling in the hand, which can cause more pain and delay healing. Ice packs are recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce inflammation.
Choice B is wrong because the client should not avoid using the affected hand for 4 to 6 weeks, as this can lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, and decreased range of motion. The client should move the fingers periodically and perform gentle exercises as prescribed by the surgeon or physical therapist.
Choice C is wrong because numbness and tingling in the hand are signs of nerve compression, which is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The client should expect these symptoms to improve or resolve after surgery, not persist or worsen. If the client experiences numbness and tingling after surgery, they should report it to the surgeon as it may indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma.
Normal ranges for grip strength, pinch strength, and keypinch strength vary depending on age, sex, and hand dominance. However, a general reference for grip strength is 20 to 40 kg for men and 15 to 30 kg for women. For pinch strength, it is 6 to 12 kg for men and 5 to 10 kg for women. For keypinch strength, it is 4 to 8 kg for men and 3 to 7 kg for women.
These values may be lower in older adults or people with chronic conditions.
The client should expect some loss of strength in the affected hand after surgery, but it should gradually improve with rehabilitation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d. Evaluate functioning of the suction device.
Choice D rationale:
- Prompt assessment of the suction device is crucial to determine if it's functioning properly.If the suction is inadequate,it can lead to gastric contents accumulating and potentially causing vomiting.
- Assessing the suction device first allows for timely interventionif it's not working correctly,preventing further complications and discomfort for the client.
Choice A rationale:
- Replacing the NG tube might be necessary if it's dislodged or blocked, but it shouldn't be the immediate action.
- Evaluating the suction device first can help determine if the NG tube itself is the issue or if the problem lies with the suction.
Choice B rationale:
- Providing oral hygiene care is important for comfort and to prevent aspiration, but it's not the priority intervention in this situation.
- Addressing the cause of the vomiting, which could be related to suction malfunction, takes precedence.
Choice C rationale:
- Administering an antiemetic might be helpful to control nausea and vomiting, but it doesn't address the underlying cause.
- Evaluating the suction device first is essential to ensure proper gastric decompression and prevent further vomiting episodes.
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