A 14-year-old girl has returned to the nursing unit after undergoing an appendectomy. To help relieve pain and facilitate drainage, the nurse should place her in what position?
Semi-Fowler's
Supine
Trendelenburg
Prone
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Semi-Fowler's position is a position in which the head of the bed is elevated to 30 to 45 degrees, and the knees may be slightly bent. This position can help relieve pain and facilitate drainage after an appendectomy, as it reduces the tension on the abdominal muscles and incision, and promotes the flow of blood and fluids away from the surgical site. It can also improve breathing and prevent pulmonary complications.
Choice B reason: Supine position is a position in which the person lies flat on their back, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. This position is not recommended after an appendectomy, as it can increase the pressure on the abdominal muscles and incision, and cause pain and discomfort. It can also impair breathing and increase the risk of pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Trendelenburg position is a position in which the person lies flat on their back, with the head of the bed lowered and the feet elevated. This position is not advised after an appendectomy, as it can increase the pressure on the abdominal organs and incision, and cause pain and bleeding. It can also reduce the blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
Choice D reason: Prone position is a position in which the person lies flat on their stomach, with the head turned to one side. This position is not suitable after an appendectomy, as it can stretch and irritate the abdominal muscles and incision, and cause pain and inflammation. It can also hinder breathing and drainage, and increase the risk of infection.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Unfamiliar equipment should be shown to the child and the family before the surgery, as part of the preoperative education and preparation. This can help reduce the child's fear and anxiety, as well as increase the child's understanding and cooperation during the surgery¹.
Choice B reason: Explain that an endotracheal tube will be needed for the surgery, regardless of how well it goes. The endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to provide mechanical ventilation during the surgery and the immediate postoperative period. The child and the family should be informed about the purpose, duration, and possible complications of the endotracheal tube, as well as the methods of communication and comfort measures².
Choice C reason: Mention the postoperative discomfort and interventions that the child may experience after the surgery, such as pain, nausea, chest tubes, drains, dressings, and monitors. The child and the family should be reassured that these are normal and expected, and that the nurse will provide adequate pain relief and care. The child and the family should also be taught about the postoperative activities and exercises, such as deep breathing, coughing, turning, and leg movements, to promote recovery and prevent complications³.
Choice D reason: Let the child hear the sounds of an ECG monitor, as well as other equipment that will be used during the surgery, such as a blood pressure cuff, an oxygen mask, and an IV pump. This can help familiarize the child with the sounds and sensations that he or she will encounter during the surgery, and reduce the fear of the unknown. The child should also be encouraged to ask questions and express feelings about the surgery⁴.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct statement. The mother should be offered testing, but not forced to do so. However, the nurse should explain the benefits of testing and treatment for the mother and the infant.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. The infant should not wait until 12 months old to begin ART. According to the World Health Organization, all infants diagnosed with HIV should start ART as soon as possible, regardless of their age or clinical stage¹.
Choice C reason: This is the correct statement. The infant should be immediately placed on ART to reduce the risk of disease progression, opportunistic infections, and mortality. Early initiation of ART can also improve the infant's growth, development, and quality of life.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct statement. The infant should not wait until they have a clinical manifestation of AIDS to begin ART. Delaying ART can increase the risk of irreversible damage to the immune system, organ failure, and death.
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