A client presents to the emergency room with suspected Osteomyelitis.
What is the initial step in the nursing assessment process for this patient?
Assess the patient's respiratory status.
Evaluate the patient's cardiac rhythm.
Conduct a thorough musculoskeletal examination.
Check the patient's blood glucose levels.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
When a client presents to the emergency room with suspected Osteomyelitis, the initial step in the nursing assessment process is to conduct a thorough musculoskeletal examination.
This includes assessing the affected limb or area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and restricted movement.
A detailed assessment of the musculoskeletal system is crucial in identifying potential sources of infection and guiding further diagnostic and treatment interventions.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the patient's respiratory status (choice A) is not the initial step in assessing a suspected case of Osteomyelitis.
While overall assessment is essential in emergency care, the priority should be to evaluate the area of concern first.
Choice B rationale:
Evaluating the patient's cardiac rhythm (choice B) is not the initial step in assessing a suspected case of Osteomyelitis.
Cardiac rhythm assessment is important but is not directly related to the assessment of Osteomyelitis.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the patient's blood glucose levels (choice D) may be important, especially if the patient has diabetes, but it is not the initial step in assessing suspected Osteomyelitis.
The musculoskeletal examination takes precedence in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A history of peripheral vascular disease (choice A) is a risk factor for Osteomyelitis.
Reduced blood flow to the extremities can impair the body's ability to deliver immune cells and antibiotics to the site of infection, making it easier for bacteria to establish an infection.
Choice B rationale:
Recent bone fracture requiring surgery (choice B) is a risk factor for Osteomyelitis, especially if the fracture site becomes contaminated during surgery or if there are complications with the healing process.
Choice C rationale:
Being immunocompromised due to HIV/AIDS (choice C) is a significant risk factor for Osteomyelitis.
A weakened immune system is less capable of fighting off infections, including those that can lead to Osteomyelitis.
Choice D rationale:
Intravenous drug use (choice D) is a risk factor for Osteomyelitis, primarily due to the potential introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream through contaminated needles or drugs.
This can lead to hematogenous spread of infection to the bones.
Choice E rationale:
Recent viral infection (choice E) is not a direct risk factor for Osteomyelitis.
While viral infections can weaken the immune system temporarily, Osteomyelitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement "It's not necessary to finish all the antibiotics if you start feeling better" is incorrect and could lead to treatment failure.
It is essential for patients with osteomyelitis to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by their healthcare provider to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a recurrence of the infection.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "Completing the full course of antibiotics helps ensure the infection is completely eradicated" is accurate and appropriate.
Completing the prescribed antibiotic course is crucial to achieving a successful outcome in the treatment of osteomyelitis.
It helps ensure that all bacteria responsible for the infection are killed and reduces the risk of recurrence or antibiotic resistance.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "You can stop taking the antibiotics once the pain and swelling go away" is incorrect and could lead to inadequate treatment.
Pain and swelling resolution may occur before the infection is completely eradicated.
It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider, regardless of symptom improvement.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "Skipping a few doses of antibiotics won't affect the outcome of treatment" is incorrect and dangerous.
Skipping doses of antibiotics can lead to incomplete treatment, allowing bacteria to survive and potentially develop resistance to the antibiotics.
Patients should always adhere to the prescribed antibiotic regimen to ensure the best possible outcome.
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