A nurse is caring for an adolescent.
Admission Assessment 1400:
Adolescent brought to emergency department by parents following a fall while skateboarding. Adolescent reports pain in . their right leg as 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 and is unable to bear weight.
Adolescent is awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Lungs clear, respirations even and regular. S1 and S2 with regular rate and rhythm. Abdomen soft and nontender with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Right lower extremity with open wound and displaced bone. Right lower extremity pulse +1, extremity cool to touch, edema present, capillary refill 4 seconds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take after the adolescent returns from surgery?
Select all that apply.
Remove indwelling urinary catheter when no longer indicated
Elevate affected limb at chest level
Assist the adolescent with ambulation from bed to chair
Perform neurovascular assessments every hour
Apply warm packs to right extremity for the first 24hrs
Correct Answer : A,B,D
The correct answers are A, B, and D.
Choice A reason:
Removing an indwelling urinary catheter when it is no longer indicated is a standard postoperative care practice. It helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common complications associated with prolonged catheter use. The normal practice is to remove the catheter as soon as the patient can use the bathroom independently or when medically advised.
Choice B reason:
Elevating the affected limb at chest level can help reduce swelling and improve venous return. This is particularly important after surgery involving the lower extremities to prevent edema and promote circulation. Proper elevation assists in managing pain and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Choice C reason:
Assisting with ambulation from bed to chair immediately after surgery may not be appropriate, especially if the adolescent has had surgery on the lower extremity. It is essential to wait for the physician's evaluation and specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and movement post-surgery.
Choice D reason:
Performing neurovascular assessments every hour is crucial after surgery on an extremity. This involves checking for sensation, motor function, color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulse strength. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds; a refill time of 4 seconds, as noted in the assessment, is abnormal and warrants close monitoring. Frequent assessments help in early detection of complications such as compartment syndrome.
Choice E reason:
Applying warm packs to the right extremity for the first 24 hours post-surgery is not recommended. Warm packs can increase circulation to the area, potentially increasing swelling and bleeding. Instead, cold packs are usually applied to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. The use of warm packs can be considered after the initial 24-hour period, depending on the surgeon's instructions and the wound's response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.
Choice B rationale:
Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.
Choice C rationale:
Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.
Choice D rationale:
Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A is correct because delegating non-nursing tasks to ancillary staff allows nurses to focus on more complex and skilled tasks that require their expertise and judgment, thus improving efficiency and quality of care.
- B is incorrect because stocking client rooms with extra supplies increases waste and costs, as well as clutter and infection risk.
- C is incorrect because assigning dedicated equipment to each client's room reduces availability and accessibility of equipment for other clients, as well as increases maintenance and cleaning costs.
- D is incorrect because changing continuous IV infusion tubing every 24 hr is not cost-effective, as it does not reduce the risk of infection significantly compared to changing it every 72 hr, according to current evidence-based practice guidelines.
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