A nurse is assisting with the care of a newly-admited client who has acute osteomyelitis. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to implement?
Optimal nutrition and hydration
Surgical debridement of necrotic tissue
Antibiotic therapy
Antipyretic therapy
The Correct Answer is C
The priority intervention for the nurse to implement for a newly-admitted client who has acute osteomyelitis is antibiotic therapy. Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory condition of bone secondary to an infectious process¹. Antibiotics are the primary treatment option and should be tailored based on culture results and individual patient factors.
a. Optimal nutrition and hydration is important but not the priority intervention.
b. Surgical debridement of necrotic tissue may be necessary but is not the priority intervention.
d. Antipyretic therapy may be necessary but is not the priority intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Toes cool to touch.
Choice A rationale: When a cast is too tight, it can compromise blood circulation to the extremity. This results in decreased blood flow and reduced oxygenation, causing the toes to feel cool to the touch.
Choice B rationale: Inability to move toes is a significant concern that can also indicate nerve compression due to a tight cast. However, it may not be the first sign of a tight cast, as impaired blood circulation will likely be evident before nerve damage.
Choice C rationale: Pallor of the toes, or a pale appearance, can occur when there is restricted blood flow. However, the coolness of the toes is often noticeable before pallor develops.
Choice D rationale: Edema of the toes, or swelling, can occur due to a tight cast, but it is usually a later sign. Initially, the toes may feel cool to the touch, followed by other symptoms such as pallor, pain, and eventually, swelling.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
To prevent autonomic dysreflexia, the nurse should take the intervention of preventing bladder distention. Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious medical problem that can happen if a person has injured the spinal cord in their upper back¹. It makes their blood pressure dangerously high and can lead to a stroke, seizure, or cardiac arrest¹. One way to lower the chance of complications is to use the bathroom on a regular schedule and keep the bladder and bowels from becoming too full.
a. Monitoring for elevated blood pressure is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
b. Providing analgesia for headaches is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
d. Elevating the client's head is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
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