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 A
Explanation
Wound evisceration refers to the protrusion of internal organs or tissues through an open wound. In this case, with the separation of the wound and extrusion of the intestine through the opening, it is a clear indication of wound evisceration. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Wound dehiscence, on the other hand, refers to the separation or opening of a previously closed surgical incision or wound. It does not involve the extrusion of internal organs or tissues.
Wound infection refers to the presence of infectious microorganisms in the wound, leading to inflammation and other signs of infection.
Wound tunneling refers to the formation of narrow channels or tunnels within the wound, often caused by improper wound healing or infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A paralytic ileus is a type of bowel obstruction characterized by the impairment or absence of normal bowel motility. It occurs due to the temporary paralysis or dysfunction of the muscles that propel food and waste material through the intestines. After surgery, paralytic ileus can occur as a result of the handling of the intestines during the procedure, the effects of anesthesia, or the body's response to inflammation and trauma.
The absence of bowel sounds is a key indicator of paralytic ileus. Normally, bowel sounds are present and indicate the movement of contents through the intestines. However, in a paralytic ileus, the bowel sounds may be diminished or absent due to the lack of peristalsis (wave-like contractions that move food along the digestive tract).
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