Patient Data

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is stable for discharge.

The client has rested well throughout the night with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device in place. Sequential devices are in place for venous thromboembolism prevention. The client ambulated 100 yards (91 meters) last night and 200 yards (183 meters) this morning. She reports pain rating of 2 on 0 to 10 scale, located in the abdomen, described as aching. She has tolerated fluids throughout the night with no nausea or vomiting.

Assessment findings

Neurological Alert and oriented times 4.

Cardiovascular WNL.

Respiratory WNL.

Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Voided twice throughout night, urine clear amber in appearance. Reports no dysuria. No bowel movement but the client is passing gas.

Integumentary 4 abdominal incisions from laparoscopic procedure sealed with surgical glue. No drainage, redness, or edema present.

Musculoskeletal Reported chronic knee pain. 5+ strength in bilateral upper extremities, 5+ strength in bilateral lower extremities.

Choice A reason: Standard precautions are always used, but a mask is not specifically required unless performing a procedure that risks splashing. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, so masks are not the main precaution for this client.

Choice B reason: A low bacteria diet is not typically required for MRSA or osteomyelitis management and does not directly impact the treatment or prevention of infection spread.

Choice C reason: Contact precautions are critical for preventing MRSA transmission, as it can be spread by direct contact with the infected wound or contaminated surfaces.

Choice D reason: Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is crucial to identify the specific strain of MRSA and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.

Choice E reason: Monitoring the white blood cell count is important to assess the body's response to infection and the effectiveness of treatment.

Choice A reason: Monitoring for fever is essential after cardiac procedures like the one described. Fever can be a sign of infection, which is a risk following any invasive procedure. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) for a typical child, but it can be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
Choice B reason: There is no need to restrict the child to clear liquids for several days unless specifically instructed by the physician for a particular reason. After cardiac catheterization, patients are usually encouraged to resume their normal diet as tolerated to promote recovery unless there are other concerns that warrant dietary restrictions1.
Choice C reason: Avoiding baths or showers is generally recommended immediately after cardiac catheterization to prevent infection at the catheter insertion site. However, this restriction is usually only for a few days, not indefinitely. The site needs to be kept dry and clean until it has sufficiently healed.
Choice D reason: Keeping a pressure dressing on the site for one week is not typically necessary. The dressing is usually checked and changed by healthcare professionals, and the site is monitored for healing. The dressing may be removed after a certain period, often before one week, as long as there are no signs of bleeding or infection.
Choice E reason: Alerting the physician if the site bleeds or swells is crucial. Swelling or bleeding can indicate complications such as infection or hematoma formation. Parents should be instructed to look for any signs of abnormal discharge, redness, or increased pain, which could signify an infection.
Choice F reason: The child may take ibuprofen for pain, but it should be under the guidance of a physician. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can help with pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to use the correct dosage and to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any other medications the child may be taking.