When the practical nurse (PN) atempts to assist an 18-year-old client with a mild mental disability to ambulate on the first postoperative day after an appendectomy, she becomes angry and says, "PN, 'Get out of here! I'll get up when I'm ready!"
Which response is best for the PN to make?
A. "You must ambulate to avoid complications which could cause more discomfort than ambulating."
B. "I know you feel angry about the pain of ambulation, but this is a necessary part of getting well."
C. "Your healthcare provider has left specific instructions to ambulate on the first postoperative day."
D. "I will be back in 30 minutes to help you get out of bed and walk around the room today."
The Correct Answer is D
An 18-year-old client with a mild mental disability is a client who has a lower than average intellectual functioning and some limitations in adaptive skills, such as communication, socialization, and self-care. A mild mental disability may affect the client's ability to understand, cope, or cooperate with medical interventions, such as ambulation after surgery.
Ambulation is the act of walking or moving around. It is an important part of postoperative care, as it helps to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, atelectasis, constipation, and pressure ulcers. Ambulation also promotes circulation, wound healing, and muscle strength.
When the practical nurse (PN) atempts to assist the client to ambulate on the first postoperative day after an appendectomy, the client becomes angry and says, "PN, 'Get out of here! I'll get up when I'm ready!" This may indicate that the client is experiencing pain, fear, anxiety, or frustration due to the surgery and the recovery process .
The best response for the PN to make is to acknowledge the client's feelings, provide reassurance and support, and set a clear and realistic goal for ambulation. This will help to establish rapport, reduce resistance, and motivate the client to participate in the care plan.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it shows empathy and respect for the client's feelings, while also informing the client of the expectation and time frame for ambulation. Option D also allows the client some time to prepare mentally and physically for the activity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtaining a urine specimen for analysis is an important step in the assessment of the client with renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is experiencing severe flank pain and hematuria. Pain management should take precedence.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Severe flank pain in a client with renal calculi is indicative of renal colic, which is typically excruciating. Administering a prescribed opioid analgesic is the priority to relieve the client's pain and distress.
Choice C rationale:
Straining the urine for the presence of stones is an essential nursing intervention to identify and collect any passed stones. However, it is not the most immediate action when the client is in severe pain. Pain management is the priority.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client for a prescribed computed tomography (CT) scan is an important diagnostic step to assess the location and size of the renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is in severe pain and distress. Pain management should come first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
CP being one of the most common permanent physical disabilities in children is a general statement but does not directly address the mother's question about the progression of her child's impaired movements. It does not provide an explanation for the potential course of CP.
Choice B rationale:
Brain damage with CP is not progressive but does have a variable course. This response provides the best explanation to the mother's question. CP is a static neurological condition, which means that the initial brain injury that led to CP does not worsen over time. However, the functional abilities and impairments of a child with CP can vary widely and may change as the child grows and develops. Some children may improve with therapy and interventions, while others may have relatively stable impairments.
Choice C rationale:
Severe motor dysfunction determines the extent of successful habilitation is not entirely accurate. While the severity of motor dysfunction does play a role in the challenges a child with CP may face, it does not solely determine the extent of successful habilitation. Many factors, including early intervention, therapy, and individualized care, can influence a child's progress and potential for improvement.
Choice D rationale:
Continued development of the brain lesion determines the child's outcome is not an accurate statement. CP is primarily caused by non-pro
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