A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pins appear red, swollen, and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?

Cleanse the skin around the pins.

Collect a culture of the purulent fluid.

Administer an antibiotic.

Instruct the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.

Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because opioids are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Opioids do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because anticoagulants are a class of medications that prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots by interfering with the clotting factors or platelets. Anticoagulants do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can increase the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation, which can impair the blood supply and oxygen delivery to the injured tissues.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because NSAIDs are a class of medications that inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators that cause pain, swelling, and fever. NSAIDs can decrease tissue inflammation and pain, but they can also delay bone healing by reducing the formation of osteoblasts, which are cells that build new bone tissue.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because narcotics are another term for opioids, which are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Narcotics do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.

A. Nociceptive B. Neuropathic C. Cutaneous D. Visceral

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Nociceptive pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Nociceptive pain is caused by the stimulation of nociceptors, which are sensory receptors that detect tissue damage or potential harm. Nociceptive pain is usually localized, sharp, throbbing, or aching. It is associated with injuries such as cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures. The client's pain is not caused by any tissue damage or harm in the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no tissue left there.

Choice B reason: Neuropathic pain is the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, or the brain. Neuropathic pain is usually chronic, burning, shooting, or tingling. It is associated with conditions such as diabetes, shingles, stroke, or amputation. The client's pain is caused by the disruption of the nerve signals from the amputated limb, which creates a phantom sensation of pain in the missing part.

Choice C reason: Cutaneous pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Cutaneous pain is caused by the stimulation of the cutaneous receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin. Cutaneous pain is usually superficial, brief, or pricking. It is associated with stimuli such as pinching, scratching, or cold. The client's pain is not caused by any touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no skin left there.

Choice D reason: Visceral pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Visceral pain is caused by the stimulation of the visceral receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs. Visceral pain is usually deep, dull, or cramping. It is associated with conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or bowel obstruction. The client's pain is not caused by any stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there are no organs left there.

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A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pins appear red, swollen, and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?

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