An adolescent patient with a non-union of a comminuted fracture of the tibia is admitted with osteomyelitis.
After the healthcare provider collects bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applies a cast to the adolescent’s lower leg, what should the nurse do next?
Provide a high-calorie, high-protein diet
Begin parenteral antibiotic therapy
Administer antiemetic agents
Bivalve the cast for distal compromise .
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While a high-calorie, high-protein diet can be beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or illness, it is not the immediate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applying a cast to a patient’s lower leg. The priority is to address the infection identified through the bone aspirate specimens.
Choice B rationale
Beginning parenteral antibiotic therapy is the appropriate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity in a patient with osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone, and antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment. Therefore, this choice is the correct answer.
Choice C rationale
Administering antiemetic agents would be appropriate if the patient were experiencing nausea or vomiting. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these symptoms. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.
Choice D rationale
Bivalving the cast for distal compromise would be appropriate if there were signs of compromised circulation or nerve function below the level of the cast. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these issues. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suggesting that the child participate in a team sport to encourage socialization is not the best response. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. Participating in a team sport could be physically challenging for the child and could potentially lead to injury.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the parents to allow the child to continue attending swimming lessons with supervision is the best response. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility in children with DMD. It also provides an opportunity for socialization.
Choice C rationale
Explaining that the child is too young to understand the risks associated with swimming is not the best response. Children with DMD can participate in swimming with appropriate supervision and safety measures in place.
Choice D rationale
Providing a list of alternative activities that are less likely to cause the child to experience fatigue is not the best response. While it’s important to consider activities that are appropriate for the child’s physical abilities, it’s also important to consider the child’s interests. The child has expressed a desire to continue swimming, and with appropriate supervision, this activity can be beneficial.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the patient’s currently prescribed medications are important information, they are not the most immediate concern in this situation. The healthcare provider will need this information, but it does not need to be the first piece of information provided.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is the most immediate concern and should be communicated first. Confusion and disorientation can be signs of a serious condition such as a brain injury, especially following a fall. It is crucial to relay this information to the healthcare provider as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered and treatment can be initiated.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and they are unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this information does not need to be communicated first. The immediate concern is the patient’s medical condition.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder is certainly important information as it provides context for the patient’s current condition. However, it does not need to be the first piece of information provided. The healthcare provider will likely infer that a fall has occurred based on the other information provided (e.g., confusion, potential loss of consciousness).
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