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:
Assessment of tobacco use geared toward adolescents. Rationale: While assessing tobacco use is essential for promoting health in adolescents, the question is about developing a class about mental health and addressing the increase in suicides in the community. Assessing tobacco use is not directly related to this topic. Stress self-management techniques are more relevant.
Choice B rationale:
Exploration of stress self-management techniques. Rationale: This is the correct answer. Addressing stress and teaching adolescents self-management techniques is crucial in the context of mental health promotion and suicide prevention. Adolescents often face stressors, and providing them with effective strategies to manage stress can contribute to their overall well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Video with statistics showing trends in suicide rates. Rationale: While providing statistics about suicide rates can be informative, it may not be the most engaging or effective method for teaching adolescents about mental health and stress management. Interactive activities and skill-building exercises are often more beneficial.
Choice D rationale:
Handouts for local substance abuse treatment centers. Rationale: Providing handouts for substance abuse treatment centers
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to sleep with an extra pillow under their head. This position, known as the semi-Fowler's position, elevates the upper body and head, which can help reduce shortness of breath and difficulty breathing while lying down at night. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, can cause bronchoconstriction in some individuals, especially those with a history of respiratory issues. Elevating the head can assist in improving lung expansion and reducing the sensation of breathlessness.
Choice B rationale:
Sleeping on their left side would not be the best option in this case. While sleeping on the left side is often recommended for individuals with certain cardiac conditions to improve blood flow and reduce pressure on the heart, it may not be as effective for alleviating the respiratory symptoms caused by propranolol. Elevating the head is a more appropriate intervention in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Sleeping on their right side is not the ideal choice either. While it can have benefits for individuals with certain cardiac conditions, it does not address the specific respiratory symptoms reported by the client. Elevating the head is a more targeted intervention to alleviate breathlessness associated with propranolol.
Choice D rationale:
Sleeping on their back may worsen the client's symptoms. Lying flat on the back can lead to increased pressure on the diaphragm, making it more challenging to breathe for individuals experiencing shortness of breath. Therefore, it is not the recommended position for this client.
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