A nurse caring for a patient with Osteomyelitis observes localized pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected limb.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate in this situation?
Administering prescribed antibiotics as ordered and monitoring for adverse reactions.
Assisting with wound care and dressing changes to maintain a clean and sterile environment.
Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure adequate pain management.
Encouraging mobility and range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Administering prescribed antibiotics and monitoring for adverse reactions is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this situation.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often caused by bacteria.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial infections like osteomyelitis.
Administering antibiotics as ordered helps target and eradicate the infection.
Monitoring for adverse reactions is crucial because antibiotics can have side effects such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, or renal toxicity.
By closely observing the patient for any adverse effects, the nurse can promptly intervene and ensure the patient's safety.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting with wound care and dressing changes to maintain a clean and sterile environment is an essential aspect of managing osteomyelitis, but it is not the first-line nursing intervention in this scenario.
The primary treatment for osteomyelitis is antibiotics, and addressing the infection systemically takes precedence over local wound care.
However, wound care is important in the overall management of the condition and should be done in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure adequate pain management is important for the patient's comfort and well-being, but it is not the initial nursing intervention.
Pain management can be addressed after initiating antibiotic therapy and assessing the patient's response to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging mobility and range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy is a valuable nursing intervention for patients with osteomyelitis, especially as they recover.
However, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.
First, the infection needs to be controlled with antibiotics before focusing on mobility and range of motion exercises.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering intravenous antibiotics is an essential part of treating osteomyelitis to eliminate the infection.
However, if the client is complaining of severe bone pain, addressing pain management should be a priority to provide comfort and improve the client's overall well-being.
Choice B rationale:
Applying ice packs to the affected area may provide some relief for localized pain and inflammation, but it is not the primary intervention for severe bone pain associated with osteomyelitis.
Analgesics are more effective in managing significant pain.
Choice C rationale:
Providing analgesics as prescribed is a crucial step in managing severe bone pain in clients with osteomyelitis.
Adequate pain control is essential to improve the client's comfort and quality of life during the treatment and recovery process.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating physical therapy exercises may be beneficial in some cases to improve joint mobility and function after the acute phase of osteomyelitis.
However, it is not the primary intervention for managing severe bone pain, which requires immediate pain relief through analgesics.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A complete blood count (CBC) is a valuable laboratory test to assess infection and inflammation.
It can show elevated white blood cell count (indicating infection) and changes in red blood cell parameters, such as anemia, which may occur in chronic infections.
Choice B rationale:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a useful laboratory test for assessing inflammation.
In osteomyelitis, ESR is often elevated, reflecting the inflammatory response in the body.
Choice C rationale:
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are another valuable laboratory marker of inflammation.
CRP is produced in response to inflammation, and elevated levels are often seen in individuals with osteomyelitis.
Choice D rationale:
Blood glucose levels are not directly related to the assessment of infection and inflammation in osteomyelitis.
While diabetes is a risk factor for osteomyelitis, blood glucose levels do not provide specific information about the extent or severity of the infection.
Choice E rationale:
Serum electrolytes are not typically assessed for the diagnosis or monitoring of osteomyelitis.
They are more relevant in assessing electrolyte balance and metabolic status rather than infection and inflammation.
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