Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Instruct the client in use of the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.

Assist the client in assuming a lateral recumbent position for comfort.

Initiate continuous passive motion (CPM) to relieve muscle spasms.

Apply ice to the incision for twenty minutes prior to joint flexion exercises.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Instructing the client in the use of the PCA pump directly addresses the severe pain by allowing the client to self-administer analgesia as needed, which provides immediate relief and is crucial for effective pain management post-surgery.
B. Assisting the client in changing positions may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying pain, which should be managed primarily through medication.
C. Initiating CPM is not an appropriate first step for managing severe pain. CPM is used for improving joint mobility and should only be considered after effective pain management is established.
D. Applying ice might provide some temporary relief, but it is not a substitute for effective pain control through medication. Addressing the pain with PCA is the priority.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Power flushing with 60 mL might be too forceful and could potentially damage the bladder or catheter. It is important to use a gentle approach to avoid complications.
B. Slowly irrigating the catheter with saline using an infusion pump is appropriate for gently clearing the clots and sediment while maintaining a controlled flow rate. This method is effective in managing obstructions and maintaining catheter patency.
C. Clamping the catheter before irrigation is not recommended as it could lead to increased bladder pressure and discomfort. The goal is to maintain urine flow and prevent complications from clots.
D. Using a sterile syringe to irrigate with 20 mL normal saline may not be sufficient to clear larger clots and sediment. A controlled, slower irrigation method using an infusion pump is generally preferred.

A. Position the client in a lateral lying position. B. Document the blood pressure and monitor the client. C. Encourage an increase in oral fluid intake. D. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Positioning the client in a lateral lying position might help with comfort but does not address the immediate concern of the low blood pressure.
B. Documenting the blood pressure and monitoring the client is important, but it does not address the need to prevent potential adverse effects from administering the medication at such a low blood pressure.
C. Encouraging an increase in oral fluid intake may be helpful in managing blood pressure, but the immediate priority should be to address the potential effects of the medication on the low blood pressure.
D. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate action because administering the medication with a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg could worsen hypotension and lead to further complications. The healthcare provider should be informed to reassess the medication plan.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing a bladder irrigation for an adult client who has a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. The urine is cloudy with fibrin clots and sediment. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The healthcare provider prescribes two doses of an antihypertensive medication for a client. Before administering the second dose, the nurse obtains a blood pressure measurement of 80/50 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse notes that a client has cyanosis of the toes and fingertips. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

The nurse notes that a client has cyanosis of the toes and fingertips. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

While suctioning a client's nasopharynx, the nurse observes that the client's oxygen saturation remains at 94%, which is the same reading obtained prior to starting the procedure. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

A client is admitted with pneumonia and has a recent history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The client is placed in isolation. While caring for the client, which item should the nurse place in a designated biohazard bag before it is removed from the room?

The healthcare provider prescribes nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion for a client with a postoperative ileus. During insertion, the client begins to gag. Which action should the nurse take?

During the admission process, a client requests more information about advance directives. Which professional should the nurse recommend the client contact?

The nurse assesses that a client who is disoriented drank eight glasses of water in two hours and is continuing to drink excessive amounts of water. Because the nurse is concerned about water intoxication, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?