The nurse is performing pin care for a patient with an external fixation device for a fractured tibia. Which assessment finding by the nurse should be reported to the unit care coordinator?
Areas around pins are dry.
Crusts around pins.
Purulent drainage around pins.
Absence of pain at the site.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Dry areas around the pins can be a normal finding if the pin sites are healing properly. It indicates that there is no excessive moisture that could promote bacterial growth and infection. However, the nurse should continue to monitor for any signs of redness, swelling, or pain that could indicate a developing infection.
Choice B reason: Crusts around the pins are typically a sign of dried exudate, which can be part of the normal healing process. The crusts should be monitored and cleaned according to the healthcare facility's protocol to prevent infection. If the crusts are accompanied by other signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or purulent drainage, they should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Purulent drainage around the pins is a sign of infection and should be reported immediately to the unit care coordinator. Infections at pin sites can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis, delayed healing, or even systemic infection. Prompt intervention with appropriate cleaning and possibly antibiotics is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason: The absence of pain at the site can be a normal finding and is not typically a cause for concern unless there is an expectation of pain based on the patient's condition or recent procedures. However, a complete lack of sensation could indicate nerve damage or other issues, so the nurse should assess for other signs of neurovascular compromise and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The statement "You should limit discussing past events with the client" does not necessarily incorporate the client's and family's cultural beliefs. Discussing past events can be a part of reminiscence therapy, which can be beneficial for clients with terminal illnesses. It allows them to reflect on their life experiences and can provide a sense of fulfillment or closure.
Choice B reason: Saying "We will respect what is important to you" is a broad and inclusive statement that acknowledges the importance of the client's and family's cultural beliefs. It implies that the care team is willing to listen and adapt the care plan to align with the client's values, which is a fundamental aspect of culturally competent care. This approach can help ensure that the client's end-of-life care is respectful and responsive to their individual needs.
Choice C reason: Offering to "arrange all burial services" may not be appropriate as it assumes that the family requires assistance with this aspect of care without first understanding their specific cultural or religious practices. It is important to have a conversation with the client and family about their preferences and needs regarding end-of-life rituals before making any arrangements.
Choice D reason: The statement "Grieving should not be done in front of the client" may not align with the cultural beliefs of the client and family. Grieving practices vary widely among different cultures, and some may find it important to express grief openly in the presence of the dying person. It is essential to respect and accommodate the family's grieving process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client with diabetes mellitus presenting with acute ketoacidosis does not necessarily require a private room unless there are other infection control concerns. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment in a hospital, but it is not contagious.
Choice B reason: An older adult client admitted with aspiration pneumonia would not typically require a private room solely based on this condition. Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs. It can lead to a bacterial infection, which may or may not be contagious depending on the causative organism.
Choice C reason: A client with a compound fracture of the right femur would not require a private room based on the diagnosis alone. A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, is a fracture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. While it requires immediate medical attention to prevent infection, it is not a condition that necessitates isolation.
Choice D reason: A client who reports having fever, night sweats, and cough for 2 days may require a private room due to the possibility of an infectious disease that could be transmitted to others, such as tuberculosis (TB). These symptoms are concerning for TB, which is an airborne infectious disease and would require airborne precautions, including a private room with negative pressure ventilation.
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