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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Alkalosis
Alkalosis occurs when the blood pH is higher than the normal range, specifically above 7.45. This condition indicates that the blood is too alkaline. Causes of alkalosis can include hyperventilation, loss of stomach acid through vomiting, or an overuse of diuretics. Since a blood pH of 7.21 is below the normal range, it does not indicate alkalosis.
Choice B: Normal Blood pH
The normal pH range for blood is between 7.35 and 7.45. This range is crucial for the body’s metabolic processes and enzyme functions. A blood pH of 7.21 is below this range, indicating an abnormal condition.
Choice C: Acidosis
Acidosis is the correct answer. It occurs when the blood pH drops below 7.35, indicating that the blood is too acidic. A pH of 7.21 is significantly below the normal range, confirming acidosis. This condition can result from various factors, including respiratory issues that lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide or metabolic problems that increase acid production or decrease bicarbonate levels.
Choice D: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood, not a change in blood pH. While hyperkalemia can be associated with acidosis, it is not defined by the pH level itself. Therefore, a blood pH of 7.21 does not directly indicate hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","G"]
Explanation
Choice A: Bradypnea
Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not typically associated with inadequate pain control. It is more often related to the effects of certain medications, such as opioids, or underlying respiratory conditions. Inadequate pain control is more likely to cause increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) rather than decreased.
Choice B: Irritability
This is a correct answer. Irritability can be a sign of inadequate pain control. Pain can cause significant discomfort and distress, leading to changes in mood and behavior. Patients who are in pain may become irritable, anxious, or agitated.
Choice C: Tachycardia
This is another correct answer. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, can be a physiological response to pain. When a patient is in pain, the body’s stress response is activated, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which can increase heart rate.
Choice D: Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not directly related to pain control. It is more commonly associated with diabetes management, fasting, or certain medications. While it is important to monitor blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia is not a typical indicator of inadequate pain control.
Choice E: Poor cough effort
This is a correct answer. Poor cough effort can indicate inadequate pain control, especially after chest surgery. Pain can make it difficult for patients to take deep breaths or cough effectively, which is essential for preventing respiratory complications such as pneumonia.
Choice F: Drowsiness
Drowsiness is not typically a sign of inadequate pain control. It is more often a side effect of pain medications, particularly opioids. While it is important to monitor for excessive sedation, drowsiness alone does not indicate that pain is not being adequately managed.
Choice G: Refusal to participate in physical therapy
This is the final correct answer. Refusal to participate in physical therapy can be a sign of inadequate pain control. Pain can make movement and physical activity difficult and uncomfortable, leading patients to avoid necessary rehabilitation exercises. Effective pain management is crucial for encouraging participation in physical therapy and promoting recovery.
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