A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who will be using a cane to maintain mobility at home following a left knee arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the safe use of a cane?
"I'll use the cane to support my body weight.".
"I will put the cane next to my right leg when I walk.".
"My partner is bringing in a wooden cane we have at home.".
"I will move my right leg forward first.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Using the cane to support body weight is not the correct technique. The purpose of a cane is to provide balance and support, not to bear the entire body weight. Placing the entire body weight on the cane can lead to instability and falls.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the cane next to the unaffected leg (right leg in this case) is the correct technique. This positioning provides additional support and stability on the side opposite to the affected leg. This helps in maintaining balance and reducing the risk of falling.
Choice C rationale:
The type of cane is not as relevant as using it correctly. The material of the cane doesn't impact the client's understanding of how to use it safely. While using a wooden cane might be acceptable, the material itself is not an indication of the client's understanding of safe cane use.
Choice D rationale:
Moving the right leg forward first is not the correct technique for using a cane. The correct foot to move forward first is the affected leg, in this case, the left leg. This allows the client to maintain a stable base of support while moving.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lying down while practicing pursed-lip breathing is not the correct instruction. Pursed-lip breathing is usually performed in a sitting or standing position. Lying down can restrict lung expansion and may not effectively support the purpose of this breathing technique, which is to improve airway pressure and reduce air trapping.
Choice B rationale:
"Exhale slowly through your mouth" is the correct instruction for pursed-lip breathing. This technique involves inhaling through the nose for a count of two and exhaling slowly and steadily through pursed lips for a count of four. The goal is to promote better exhalation, prevent airway collapse, and improve oxygen exchange. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the mechanics of pursed-lip breathing, which helps create backpressure in the airways, maintaining them open and aiding in proper exhalation.
Choice C rationale:
Inhaling through pursed lips contradicts the proper sequence of pursed-lip breathing. The technique involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Inhaling through pursed lips would not provide the intended benefits of the technique.
Choice D rationale:
"Puff your cheeks when exhaling" is not the correct instruction. Puffing the cheeks during exhalation does not contribute to the effectiveness of pursed-lip breathing. This action could potentially impede proper exhalation and defeat the purpose of the technique, which is to control airflow and improve breathing efficiency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.
Choice B rationale:
Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.
Choice C rationale:
Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.
Choice D rationale:
Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today