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 A
Explanation
A. The stoma appears dark purple in color. This is a priority finding, as it may indicate impaired circulation or necrosis of the stoma tissue. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red and moist. A dark purple or black color requires immediate evaluation.
B. The colostomy has had no output. While it is important to monitor output, it is not unusual for a new colostomy to have minimal or no output in the first 24–48 hours post-op as bowel function returns.
C. The client refuses to look at the colostomy. This is a psychosocial concern and may indicate body image issues or denial, but it is not the most urgent issue in the immediate postoperative period.
D. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Pain management is important, but a pain level of 6, while needing intervention, does not take priority over a potential vascular compromise of the stoma.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Aspirin 1 tablet daily. This prescription is incomplete because it does not specify the dose in milligrams. Aspirin comes in multiple strengths, and clarity is essential to ensure safe administration.
B. Furosemide 20 mg BID. This prescription is complete because it includes the medication name, dosage (20 mg), and frequency (twice daily). It provides all necessary components for safe administration.
C. Nitroglycerin transdermal patch. This order lacks critical details such as the dosage, frequency, and duration of use. Without this information, the prescription is incomplete and cannot be safely implemented.
D. Metoprolol 5 mg now. Although it includes the medication, dosage, and timing, it does not specify the route (e.g., oral, IV), which is necessary for the prescription to be considered complete.
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