When the practical nurse (PN) attempts 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?
"You must ambulate to avoid complications which could cause more discomfort than ambulating."
"I know you feel angry about the pain of ambulation, but this is a necessary part of getting well."
"Your healthcare provider has left specific instructions to ambulate on the first postoperative day."
"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) attempts 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.
Options A, B, and C are incorrect answers, as they do not address the client's emotional needs or demonstrate effective communication skills.
Option A is incorrect because it uses a threatening tone and does not acknowledge the client's feelings.
Option B is incorrect because it assumes that the client feels angry about the pain of ambulation, which may not be true or helpful.
Option C is incorrect because it appeals to authority and does not explain the rationale or benefits of ambulation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Log-rolling is a technique of moving a client as a unit without twisting or bending the spine, which is used for clients with spinal injuries or surgeries. After log-rolling a client to a lateral position, the PN should place pillows to maintain alignment and prevent pressure ulcers or nerve damage. The pillows should be placed under the head, neck, upper arm, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and lower leg.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Raising the head of the bed 30 degrees is not necessary or appropriate after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it can cause shearing forces or compromise the spinal stability. The head of the bed should be kept flat or slightly elevated during log rolling.
B. Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it does not ensure the comfort or safety of the client. The PN should monitor the vital signs before and after log-rolling, but not during or immediately after.
C. Flexing legs and placing a blanket between legs is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it does not support the spine or prevent pressure ulcers or nerve damage. The PN should keep the legs straight and aligned with the body during log-rolling, and place a pillow under the lower leg after log-rolling.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- An oil retention enema is used to soften the stool and lubricate the rectum, making it easier to pass the stool. It is usually oil-based and contains 90-120 ml of solution.
- The temperature of the enema solution affects the effectiveness and comfort of the procedure. If the solution is too hot or cold, it can cause pain, cramps, or damage to the rectal tissue³. If the solution is too warm, it can also stimulate peristalsis and cause the client to expel the enema before it has time to work.
- The ideal temperature for an enema solution is close to the client’s body temperature, which is around 98°F or 36°C. This temperature ensures that the solution is comfortable and does not cause adverse reactions.
Option A is incorrect because the client’s comfort level may not reflect the optimal temperature for the enema.
Option B is incorrect because the temperature of the enema does affect its effectiveness and safety.
Option D is incorrect because the temperature is too high and can cause harm to the client.
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