A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for intermittent heat therapy for a foot injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication for heat therapy?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Phlebitis
Osteoarthritis
Peripheral neuropathy
The Correct Answer is D
A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. While an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious vascular condition, it is not directly affected by localized heat therapy to an extremity such as the foot. However, heat should still be used cautiously near major vascular abnormalities.
B. Phlebitis. Heat therapy is often used to reduce inflammation and promote circulation in conditions like phlebitis. Although care must be taken, it is not an absolute contraindication and may actually be prescribed in some mild cases under supervision.
C. Osteoarthritis. Heat therapy is commonly used for osteoarthritis to relax muscles, improve joint mobility, and alleviate stiffness and discomfort. It is considered a beneficial and appropriate treatment modality for this condition.
D. Peripheral neuropathy. Clients with peripheral neuropathy may have impaired sensation, making them unable to detect excessive heat. This puts them at high risk for burns or thermal injury, making heat therapy a contraindication for safety reasons.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "A cesarean birth is the only way to prevent transmission." Cesarean delivery is considered if active lesions or prodromal symptoms are present at the time of labor. However, it is not automatically required for all clients with a history of herpes.
B. "If you notice genital tingling be sure to notify your provider." Genital tingling or burning can be a prodromal sign of an impending herpes outbreak. Early reporting allows for appropriate evaluation and potential antiviral treatment to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.
C. "Hydrotherapy during labor can help reduce transmission." Hydrotherapy has no effect on herpes virus transmission and is not used for this purpose. Preventing neonatal herpes depends on careful monitoring and antiviral management.
D. "The provider will perform weekly visual inspections for lesions." Routine weekly inspections are not standard unless symptoms suggest an outbreak. Clients are generally monitored and evaluated for lesions closer to labor or if symptoms arise.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs. Critical pathways, also known as clinical pathways or care maps, are evidence-based, multidisciplinary plans that outline expected care and outcomes for specific conditions. They aim to improve care efficiency, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs by standardizing care.
B. Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur. Variances—deviations from the expected pathway—are documented and analyzed, not a reason to discontinue the pathway. They help identify areas for improvement or necessary adjustments in patient care.
C. Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion. Critical pathways are time-bound, with specific goals and milestones to be met within a set timeframe based on typical recovery patterns for the condition being treated.
D. Nurses' notes are used to create the critical pathway. Critical pathways are developed using evidence-based guidelines, expert consensus, and clinical research, not individual nurses’ progress notes. However, nurses do document progress and variances within the pathway.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.