A client has a swollen, painful knee after a fall. The nurse decides to use cold therapy as part of the client’s care plan.
Which of the following outcomes should the nurse anticipate?
Increased blood flow to the area
Relaxation of muscles around the knee
Reduction in inflammation and numbing of the area
Increased perception of pain.
Increased perception of pain.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Increased blood flow to the area Cold therapy, such as ice packs, is commonly used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
When cold is applied to an area, it causes vasoconstriction, which means that blood vessels in the area constrict or narrow.
This leads to a reduction in blood flow to the affected area, which, in turn, reduces inflammation and swelling.
Therefore, the rationale for Choice A is incorrect, as cold therapy does not increase blood flow to the area.
Choice B rationale:
Relaxation of muscles around the knee Cold therapy can have a temporary muscle relaxing effect due to its numbing properties, but this is not the primary purpose of using cold therapy.
The main goal of cold therapy in this context is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Choice B is not the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Reduction in inflammation and numbing of the area The primary purpose of using cold therapy in this case is to reduce inflammation and numb the area, which helps alleviate pain and discomfort.
Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow to the area and reduces inflammation.
Additionally, the numbing effect can provide pain relief.
This is the correct choice because it aligns with the intended outcome of using cold therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Increased perception of pain Using cold therapy would not lead to an increased perception of pain in this scenario.
In fact, it is typically used to reduce pain and discomfort by numbing the area and decreasing inflammation.
Choice D is not the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Opioids are not typically indicated for mild pain.
Opioids are potent analgesics and are reserved for more severe pain due to their potential for side effects and the risk of addiction.
Using opioids for mild pain is usually not recommended.
Choice B rationale:
Opioids are not indicated for mild pain and fever.
While they can help with pain, they do not have a direct effect on fever.
Opioids are primarily used for pain management, especially when other medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not effective.
Choice D rationale:
Opioids are not specifically indicated for severe pain and inflammation.
They are primarily used for pain relief, and their efficacy in reducing inflammation is limited compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fentanyl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain.
This statement is incorrect.
Fentanyl is not an NSAID.
It is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering the perception and response to painful stimuli.
It is used for severe pain management and is unrelated to NSAIDs.
Choice B rationale:
Fentanyl is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering perception and response to painful stimuli.
This is the accurate response.
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain and the body's response to painful stimuli.
It is a powerful analgesic for severe pain.
Choice C rationale:
Fentanyl is similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen but is typically used for more severe pain.
This statement is misleading.
Fentanyl is not similar to Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
While all three medications have pain-relieving properties, Fentanyl is a much stronger opioid used for severe pain, while Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are milder, non-opioid analgesics.
Choice D rationale:
Fentanyl works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
This statement is inaccurate.
Fentanyl's mechanism of action is different from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
While Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, Fentanyl acts by binding to opioid receptors and modulating pain perception centrally, without affecting prostaglandins.
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