A nurse is discussing with a patient who has reported acute lower back pain after lifting heavy boxes. What information should the nurse emphasize?
Turn the torso at the waist when reaching for objects.
Use ice packs intermittently for 48 hours.
Use 10 lb arm weights to start strengthening the back muscles.
Stay in bed except for toileting during the first 24 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Turning the torso at the waist when reaching for objects can actually increase the risk of back injury. It’s important to keep the back straight and bend at the knees when lifting or reaching for objects.
Choice B rationale
Using ice packs intermittently for 48 hours is a common recommendation for acute lower back pain. Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief. It’s important to use the ice packs intermittently, not continuously, to avoid frostbite.
Choice C rationale
Using 10 lb arm weights to start strengthening the back muscles is not recommended for someone with acute lower back pain. Heavy lifting can exacerbate the pain and potentially cause further injury. It’s better to start with gentle, low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity as the back heals.
Choice D rationale
Staying in bed except for toileting during the first 24 hours is not typically recommended for acute lower back pain. While rest is important, prolonged bed rest can actually lead to muscle stiffness and increased pain. It’s generally recommended to stay as active as possible without exacerbating the pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “The client should first move the strong leg then the weak one” is not the best practice when using a cane. The client should move the cane and the weak leg forward at the same time, then move the strong leg.
Choice B rationale
The statement “When the client moves, he should move the cane forward first” is the correct practice. Moving the cane first provides stability and support for the next step.
Choice C rationale
The statement “The client should hold the cane on the weak side of his body” is not the correct practice. The cane should be held on the strong side of the body to provide support for the weak side.
Choice D rationale
The statement “The grip should be level with the client’s waist” is a good practice, but it’s not the best answer for this question. The grip of the cane should be at the level of the client’s wrist when the client’s arm is hanging down. This allows the client to maintain a slight bend in their elbow when holding the cane.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pursed-lip breathing can help improve oxygenation and reduce shortness of breath in clients with COPD. However, it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen flow rate without a physician’s order can lead to oxygen toxicity or suppress the respiratory drive in clients with COPD. Therefore, this is not the priority action.
Choice C rationale
Coughing and expectorating secretions can help clear the airways, but it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the client’s respiratory status is the priority action. The nurse should assess the client’s breath sounds, respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and oxygen saturation to determine the severity of the client’s difficulty breathing and guide further interventions.
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