A heating pad is ordered for a patient with a lumbar sprain. The nurse knows that the purpose of the heating pad is to:

Promote healing by increasing the rate of the muscle remodeling process.

Decrease pain by reducing inflammation.

Decrease pain by increasing circulation to a painful area and relaxing tense muscles.

Decrease pain by numbing pain signals.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A: Promote healing by increasing the rate of the muscle remodeling process

While heat can aid in the healing process by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the injured area, it does not specifically increase the rate of the muscle remodeling process. Muscle remodeling involves complex cellular activities that are not solely influenced by external heat application.

Choice B: Decrease pain by reducing inflammation

Heat therapy is generally not used to reduce inflammation. In fact, applying heat to an inflamed area can sometimes exacerbate the inflammation. Cold therapy is more effective for reducing inflammation, especially in the initial stages of an injury.

Choice C: Decrease pain by increasing circulation to a painful area and relaxing tense muscles

This is the correct answer. Applying heat to a painful area causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues. This process helps to relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. Heat therapy is particularly effective for muscle spasms, stiffness, and chronic pain conditions.

Choice D: Decrease pain by numbing pain signals

Heat therapy does not numb pain signals in the same way that cold therapy does. Cold therapy works by numbing the affected area and reducing nerve activity, which helps to alleviate pain. Heat therapy, on the other hand, works by improving circulation and relaxing muscles.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Assessing the surgical dressing is crucial to monitor for signs of bleeding, infection, or other complications at the surgical site. The nurse should check the dressing for any excessive drainage, unusual color, or odor, which could indicate an infection or other issues. Ensuring the dressing is intact and clean helps in preventing wound contamination and promotes healing. This assessment is vital in the immediate postoperative period to detect any early signs of complications that may require prompt intervention.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining the vital signs is a fundamental assessment that provides critical information about the patient’s overall physiological status. Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. These measurements help in identifying any deviations from the normal ranges that could indicate complications such as hypovolemia, infection, or respiratory distress. Regular monitoring of vital signs allows the nurse to detect and respond to any changes in the patient’s condition promptly. Normal ranges for adults are typically: blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, heart rate 60-100 beats per minute, respiratory rate 12-20 breaths per minute, and temperature around 98.6°F (37°C).

Choice C reason:

Assessing the pain level is essential for effective pain management and patient comfort. Postoperative pain can significantly impact a patient’s recovery and ability to participate in necessary activities such as deep breathing and ambulation. The nurse should use a standardized pain assessment tool, such as the Numeric Rating Scale (0-10), to evaluate the patient’s pain intensity and quality. Effective pain management involves administering prescribed analgesics and evaluating their effectiveness, as well as implementing non-pharmacological interventions as needed. Proper pain control helps in reducing stress, promoting healing, and improving the overall recovery experience.

Choice D reason:

Assessing the respiratory rate and effort is critical to ensure that the patient is breathing adequately and not experiencing respiratory distress. Anesthesia and surgery can affect respiratory function, making it essential to monitor for signs of hypoxia, such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, or cyanosis. The nurse should observe the patient’s breathing pattern, listen to breath sounds, and measure oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter. Normal oxygen saturation levels are typically between 95-100%. Prompt identification and management of respiratory issues are crucial to prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.

Choice E reason:

Asking the patient if they have a ride home is not a priority assessment in the immediate postoperative period. While discharge planning is important, the primary focus should be on stabilizing the patient’s physiological status and addressing any immediate postoperative needs. Ensuring the patient has a ride home can be addressed later in the recovery process, once the patient is stable and ready for discharge. The initial assessments should prioritize monitoring for complications and ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort.

A. Changing the patient’s position every 3 to 4 hours. B. Provide adequate and regular pain medication. C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing. D. Place the conscious patient in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated. E. Encourage bed rest for the first 4 hours after surgery.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Changing the patient’s position every 3 to 4 hours is crucial to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Immobility can lead to the development of pressure ulcers, especially in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. Regular repositioning helps to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, promoting better circulation and preventing skin breakdown. Additionally, changing positions can help in preventing DVT by encouraging blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

Choice B reason:

Providing adequate and regular pain medication is essential for postoperative care to ensure patient comfort and facilitate recovery. Pain management is a critical aspect of postoperative care as unmanaged pain can lead to complications such as increased heart rate, hypertension, and delayed wound healing. Adequate pain control allows the patient to participate in necessary activities such as deep breathing exercises and ambulation, which are vital for preventing complications like pneumonia and promoting overall recovery. Pain medication should be administered as prescribed, and the patient’s pain levels should be regularly assessed and documented.

Choice C reason:

Encouraging deep breathing and coughing is vital for preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. After surgery, patients are at risk of developing these complications due to the effects of anesthesia and prolonged immobility. Deep breathing exercises help to expand the lungs fully, improving oxygenation and preventing the collapse of alveoli. Coughing helps to clear secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of infection. Nurses should instruct patients on how to perform these exercises effectively and encourage them to do so regularly.

Choice D reason:

Placing the conscious patient in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated is important for maintaining airway patency and promoting optimal respiratory function. Elevating the head of the bed helps to reduce the risk of aspiration and improves lung expansion, facilitating better breathing. This position is particularly beneficial for patients who may have residual effects of anesthesia or are at risk of respiratory complications. It also helps in reducing the workload on the heart and improving overall comfort.

Choice E reason:

Encouraging bed rest for the first 4 hours after surgery is generally not recommended as early mobilization is crucial for preventing complications such as DVT, pulmonary embolism, and muscle atrophy. While it is important to ensure that the patient is stable before encouraging movement, prolonged bed rest can lead to adverse outcomes. Instead, patients should be encouraged to engage in light activities as soon as they are able, under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This helps to promote circulation, improve respiratory function, and enhance overall recovery.

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A heating pad is ordered for a patient with a lumbar sprain. The nurse knows that the purpose of the heating pad is to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

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