The nurse is assisting with positioning a client for surgery in the lateral position. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique?

Placing a pillow under the dependent axilla.

Flexing both knees at a 90-degree angle.

Aligning the shoulders directly over each other.

Elevating the dependent arm on an arm board.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

Placing a pillow under the dependent axilla is a proper technique for lateral positioning because it helps to prevent brachial plexus injury by reducing the pressure on the neurovascular structures in the axilla. It also helps to maintain the alignment of the shoulder and prevent shoulder drop.

Choice B reason:

Flexing both knees at a 90-degree angle is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive pressure on the knees and ankles, leading to nerve injury or skin breakdown. It can also impair venous return and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Only the dependent leg should be flexed at the hip and knee, while the upper leg should be straight and supported by pillows between the legs.

Choice C reason:

Aligning the shoulders directly over each other is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause compression of the dependent shoulder and compromise the blood supply to the arm. It can also cause shoulder drop and brachial plexus injury. The lower shoulder should be pulled slightly forward and supported by a pad under the chest wall.

Choice D reason:

Elevating the dependent arm on an arm board is not a proper technique for lateral positioning because it can cause excessive abduction of the arm and stretch the brachial plexus. It can also interfere with surgical access to the thorax or kidney. Both arms should be supported on parallel arm boards with abduction less than 90 degrees.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

General anesthesia will make you unconscious and unable to feel any pain during the surgery. This is true because general anesthesia affects the whole body and brain, blocking the sensation of pain and awareness of the surroundings. General anesthesia is used for almost all laparoscopic hysterectomies and is often used for abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies. General anesthesia also impairs your breathing, so a breathing tube, ventilator, and inhalation anesthetic may be used.

Choice B reason:

General anesthesia will numb your lower body and allow you to remain awake during the surgery. This is false because general anesthesia does not numb only a part of the body, but rather affects the whole body and brain. Numbing only a part of the body is called regional anesthesia, which involves injecting an anesthetic near a cluster of nerves to block pain signals from that area. Regional anesthesia can be used for some types of hysterectomies, but not for abdominal hysterectomy.

Choice C reason:

General anesthesia will block pain signals from reaching your brain and make you sleepy during the surgery. This is partially true but incomplete. General anesthesia does block pain signals from reaching your brain, but it also makes you unconscious, not just sleepy. You will not be aware of anything that is happening during the surgery or remember anything afterwards. General anesthesia also affects other functions of your body, such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Choice D reason:

General anesthesia will relax your muscles and reduce your awareness of what is happening during the surgery. This is also partially true but incomplete. General anesthesia does relax your muscles and reduce your awareness, but it also makes you completely unconscious and unable to feel any pain. You will not have any memory of the surgery or be able to respond to any stimuli. General anesthesia also has other effects on your body, such as lowering your body temperature and slowing down your digestion.

A. "I understand how you feel, but staying in bed can cause complications.” B. "You need to get out of bed at least three times a day to prevent blood clots.” C. "Let me give you some pain medication and then we can try getting up.” D. "Getting out of bed will help you heal faster and reduce your pain.” E. "Why don't you want to get out of bed? Are you afraid of something?".

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

This response is not appropriate because it does not acknowledge the patient's pain or offer any pain relief. It also sounds dismissive and unsympathetic to the patient's feelings. A better response would be to empathize with the patient and explain the benefits and risks of early mobilization in a respectful way.

Choice B reason:

This response is not appropriate because it does not address the patient's pain or provide any pain relief. It also sounds demanding and authoritarian, which may increase the patient's anxiety and resistance. A better response would be to collaborate with the patient and set realistic and individualized goals for mobility.

Choice C reason:

This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the patient's pain and offers a solution to reduce it. It also shows respect for the patient's autonomy and readiness by suggesting rather than ordering to get up. It also implies that the nurse will assist and support the patient during the activity.

Choice D reason:

This response is appropriate because it provides positive reinforcement and education to the patient. It explains how early mobilization can enhance wound healing and decrease pain by improving blood circulation, preventing complications, and restoring function.

Choice E reason:

This response is not appropriate because it sounds accusatory and judgmental. It may make the patient feel defensive or guilty for expressing their pain or reluctance. A better response would be to explore the patient's concerns and fears in a non-threatening way and provide reassurance and information as needed.

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The nurse is assisting with positioning a client for surgery in the lateral position. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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