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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "Let's play your favorite video game together," is the most appropriate for the nurse to say to the child when using distraction techniques to manage pain.
Engaging the child in an enjoyable activity like playing a video game can divert their attention from the pain and anxiety associated with the medical procedure, making it a more positive experience.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "I am going to give you a medication now," is not an appropriate distraction technique.
While medication may be necessary for pain management, it does not serve as a distraction from the procedure itself.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "You need to stay still and quiet," is not an effective use of distraction techniques.
It may increase the child's anxiety and discomfort during the procedure, as it does not provide a positive distraction.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "Why don’t you try to sleep?" is not an ideal distraction technique either.
Asking the child to sleep during a medical procedure may not be feasible, and it doesn't actively engage the child in a positive and distracting activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Massage therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that can provide pain relief.
It involves the manual manipulation of the body's soft tissues and muscles to reduce tension and discomfort.
Massage therapy can help increase blood circulation, relax muscles, and release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
For pediatric patients who are averse to taking more medication, massage therapy can be a soothing and effective approach to alleviate mild to moderate pain without the use of drugs.
It is a safe and gentle method that can be tailored to the child's comfort level.
Choice B rationale:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medication, and the client has expressed a desire to avoid taking more medication.
Therefore, this choice is not appropriate in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Fentanyl and
Choice D rationale:
Morphine are strong opioid medications used for severe pain relief.
These options are not suitable for mild to moderate pain in a pediatric patient, especially when the client wishes to avoid additional medication.
They also come with the risk of side effects and potential dependence, making them unsuitable in this scenario.
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