The medical-surgical nurse is caring for a client postoperatively after a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse is calculating the client's intake and output and notes a total of 100 mL of sanguineous drainage out of the hip drain in the 24 hours since surgery. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Remove the drain
Continue to assess and monitor intake and output every shift
Elevate affected leg and place client in Trendelenburg position
Notify the surgeon and make aware of this finding
None of the above
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Removing the drain is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it may cause bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the surgical site. The drain is placed to prevent the accumulation of fluid and blood in the hip joint, and it should be removed only by the surgeon when the drainage is minimal and the wound is healing.
Choice B reason: Continuing to assess and monitor intake and output every shift is an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it helps to evaluate the fluid balance and the renal function of the client. The nurse should record the amount, color, and consistency of the drainage, and compare it with the previous measurements. The nurse should also monitor the vital signs, the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and the signs of dehydration or fluid overload.
Choice C reason: Elevating the affected leg and placing the client in Trendelenburg position is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it may cause hip dislocation, hypotension, or respiratory distress. The nurse should keep the affected leg slightly abducted and aligned with the body, and avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees. The nurse should also maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's or supine position, and avoid turning the client to the affected side.
Choice D reason: Notifying the surgeon and making aware of this finding is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it is not an urgent or abnormal situation. The nurse should report the drainage to the surgeon only if it exceeds the expected amount, which is usually less than 200 mL in the first 24 hours after surgery, or if it changes in color, consistency, or odor.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 24-gauge catheter is appropriate for a small and fragile vein of a 12-month-old infant. It minimizes the risk of damaging the vein and ensures the comfort of the infant during IV therapy.
Choice B reason: Starting an IV in the infant's foot is not the first choice due to the risk of movement dislodging the catheter. The hand or the antecubital fossa are preferred sites for IV insertion in infants.
Choice C reason: While it is important to cover the IV insertion site, an opaque dressing is not necessary. A transparent dressing is preferred as it allows for continuous visibility of the site for signs of infection or phlebitis.
Choice D reason: The IV site should not be routinely changed every 3 days. It should be changed based on clinical indications such as signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis, or if the IV becomes dislodged.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis, as it is a gram-positive bacterium that can invade the bone through the bloodstream, a wound, or a surgical site. It can cause acute or chronic inflammation and infection of the bone and bone marrow.
Choice B reason: Escherichia coli is not the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis, as it is a gram-negative bacterium that is usually found in the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause urinary tract infections, diarrhea, or sepsis, but it is not a frequent cause of bone infections.
Choice C reason: Proteus mirabilis is not the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis, as it is a gram-negative bacterium that is usually found in the urinary tract. It can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or septicemia, but it is not a common cause of bone infections.
Choice D reason: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis, as it is a gram-negative bacterium that is usually found in moist environments. It can cause skin infections, pneumonia, or septic shock, but it is not a frequent cause of bone infections.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis.
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