A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for intermittent heat therapy for a foot injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication for heat therapy?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Phlebitis
Osteoarthritis
Peripheral neuropathy
The Correct Answer is D
A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. While an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious vascular condition, it is not directly affected by localized heat therapy to an extremity such as the foot. However, heat should still be used cautiously near major vascular abnormalities.
B. Phlebitis. Heat therapy is often used to reduce inflammation and promote circulation in conditions like phlebitis. Although care must be taken, it is not an absolute contraindication and may actually be prescribed in some mild cases under supervision.
C. Osteoarthritis. Heat therapy is commonly used for osteoarthritis to relax muscles, improve joint mobility, and alleviate stiffness and discomfort. It is considered a beneficial and appropriate treatment modality for this condition.
D. Peripheral neuropathy. Clients with peripheral neuropathy may have impaired sensation, making them unable to detect excessive heat. This puts them at high risk for burns or thermal injury, making heat therapy a contraindication for safety reasons.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "How long have you struggled with your weight?" While this may provide background information, it shifts the focus to the client's weight history rather than validating their current emotional experience and distress.
B. "Let's discuss some weight loss strategies that might work for you." This response prematurely shifts to problem-solving and weight management without first addressing the client’s emotional needs or acknowledging their feelings of embarrassment and vulnerability.
C. "It sounds like you're saying that you feel uncomfortable around others." This is a therapeutic, reflective response that validates the client’s feelings and encourages them to express more about their emotional experience, fostering trust and emotional support.
D. "Have you always felt uncomfortable being overweight?" This question may come across as judgmental and focuses too much on the client's body image history rather than their current emotional experience, potentially worsening feelings of shame.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You should make sure your partner takes the prescribed medication." While medication adherence is important, this response shifts the focus to advice-giving rather than exploring the partner’s emotions or current experience, which limits therapeutic communication.
B. "You did the right thing by bringing your partner in for treatment." Although supportive, this statement closes off the conversation and doesn’t invite the partner to share more about their feelings or the situation at home.
C. "Can you talk about what was happening with your partner at home?" This open-ended, therapeutic response encourages the partner to express their thoughts and emotions, facilitating a better understanding of the client’s condition and the impact it has had on the family.
D. "Why do you think your partner's symptoms are progressing so quickly?" Asking “why” can feel accusatory or put the partner on the defensive. It may also imply blame, which is not helpful in building trust or gathering therapeutic insight.
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