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
This statement demonstrates an understanding of proper cast care for itch relief. Using a cool air dryer on a low setting can help circulate air and provide relief from itching under the cast. It is important not to use a hot air dryer as it may cause discomfort, skin irritation, or burn. Trickling water or inserting objects into the cast can lead to moisture accumulation and potential complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Bowel sounds are the result of muscular contractions in the intestines, indicating the movement of food, fluids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, the normal function of the intestines, including peristalsis, may be temporarily impaired. As the intestines recover and regain their normal motility, bowel sounds will become audible.
The return of bowel sounds is an encouraging sign that the gastrointestinal system is starting to function again. It indicates that peristaltic activity has resumed and that the intestines are moving and processing the contents within. This is an essential step in the postoperative recovery process, as it indicates the return of normal gastrointestinal function and can lead to the resumption of oral intake and passage of stool.
While the other options may also be associated with the return of GI function, such as feeling hungry or passing flatus or stool, the presence of bowel sounds is a more reliable and direct assessment finding that indicates the resumption of peristaltic activity.
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