A 68-year-old male patient, who had bilateral total hip arthroplasty two years ago, arrived at the emergency department by ambulance.
He reports that he slipped while putting away groceries at home.
He did not feel dizzy or lightheaded before the fall.
He fell face-forward, hitting his head on the wall and his left shoulder on the floor.
He reports pain mainly in his left shoulder.
As a nurse, what interventions should you plan to reduce further complications?
Administer morphine as prescribed.
Monitor the patient’s vital signs.
Apply a cold pack to the affected area.
Arrange for an X-ray of the left shoulder.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
D.
Choice A rationale
Administering morphine as prescribed would help to manage the patient’s reported pain.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient’s vital signs is crucial in assessing the patient’s physiological response to the fall and ensuring stability.
Choice C rationale
Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale
Arranging for an X-ray of the left shoulder would help to identify any potential fractures or other injuries resulting from the fall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient was able to sleep through the night. This is a positive sign as it indicates that the patient is comfortable and not in distress. Sleep is essential for healing and recovery.
Choice B rationale
The patient’s left arm is warm to touch. This could indicate that there is adequate blood flow to the area, which is necessary for healing. However, warmth could also be a sign of inflammation or infection, so it’s important to monitor this closely.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s left shoulder and collarbone are symmetric. This is a good sign as it indicates that there is no obvious dislocation or fracture, which could cause pain and limit mobility.
Choice D rationale
The patient has no desire to eat breakfast. This is not necessarily a sign of progress. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many conditions, including stress, infection, or certain medications. It’s important to encourage the patient to eat to maintain strength and support healing.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
D.
Choice A rationale
Initiation of peripheral IV access is a common procedure in the emergency department for patients who have experienced a fall. This allows for the administration of fluids and medications as needed.
Choice B rationale
An X-ray of the left shoulder and right knee would likely be ordered given the patient’s report of pain in his left shoulder after the fall. This would help to identify any fractures or other injuries.
Choice C rationale
A CT scan of the brain may not be necessary in this case, unless the patient was experiencing symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or other neurological signs following the fall.
Choice D rationale
Administration of pain medication would likely be initiated based on the patient’s report of pain.
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