A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?
"Assess the skin under the foam boot twice daily"
"Take prophylactic antibiotics before any dental work for the rest of your life”
"Check and clean the pin insertion sites daily."
"Remove the external fixator for your shower
The Correct Answer is C
Pin site care is essential to prevent infections and other complications associated with external fixation devices. The nurse should instruct the patient to clean the pin insertion sites daily with a sterile saline solution or as per healthcare provider's instructions. The patient should also observe for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.
Assessing the skin under the foam boot twice daily is not specific to external fixation devices, and it may not be relevant to this patient's care plan. The nurse should focus on teaching the patient about external fixation device care specifically.
Taking prophylactic antibiotics before any dental work for the rest of your life is not relevant to external fixation devices or right lower leg fractures. It is a recommendation for patients with certain heart conditions who may be at risk of developing infective endocarditis during dental procedures.
Removing the external fixator for the shower is not recommended as the device should be kept dry to prevent infections. The nurse should instruct the patient to cover the device with a waterproof dressing or plastic bag during showering to protect it from getting wet.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, but common symptoms in children with IBD include:
- Children with IBD often experience increased frequency of bowel movements, which may be loose or watery. This is often accompanied by urgency and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
- Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to poor appetite, decreased intake, and subsequent weight loss. In severe cases, malnutrition may occur.
- Inflammatory processes in the intestines can lead to increased motility and peristalsis, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as adrenal crisis, is characterized by low levels of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. One of the primary manifestations of adrenal insufficiency is electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium). Inadequate cortisol levels can lead to impaired sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in sodium loss and low serum sodium levels.
When the patient receives appropriate therapies for acute adrenal insufficiency, such as administration of glucocorticoids (e.g., hydrocortisone), the cortisol levels begin to normalize. As a result, the impaired sodium reabsorption improves, leading to an increase in serum sodium levels.
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