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 C
Explanation
- A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
- B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
- C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
- D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is B, C, and E.
- A. Weight is not a correct choice because it is not a vital sign and it does not indicate an acute change in the client's condition.
- B. Neuro status is a correct choice because it reflects the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, and cognitive function. Any alteration in neuro status could indicate a serious problem such as infection, stroke, or medication toxicity.
- C. Auditory hallucinations are a correct choice because they are a symptom of psychosis and could indicate a relapse or worsening of the client's mental illness. Auditory hallucinations could also impair the client's ability to cope, communicate, and function effectively.
- D. Speech is not a correct choice because it is not a vital sign and it does not indicate an acute change in the client's condition. Speech could be affected by various factors such as mood, anxiety, or medication side effects.
- E. Restlessness is a correct choice because it is a sign of agitation, anxiety, or discomfort. Restlessness could also indicate an underlying physical or psychological problem such as pain, infection, or psychosis.
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