The nurse is caring for a client who has returned to the nursing unit from the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) 40 minutes ago following an above the knee amputation (AKA) of the right leg. In which position should the nurse place the client at this time?
Prone with arms elevated
Supine with the stump flat on the bed
Supine with the stump supported on pillows
Reverse Trendelenburg
The Correct Answer is C
A. While positioning a patient prone can help with certain surgical recovery situations, it is not typically used immediately after an above-the-knee amputation. Additionally, elevating the arms may not provide any benefit and could cause discomfort.
B. This position can increase the risk of contractures in the residual limb, especially with an above-the- knee amputation. Keeping the stump flat may also lead to swelling and discomfort.
C. This position allows for proper elevation of the stump, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Supporting the stump on pillows prevents the risk of contractures and maintains the limb in a neutral position. It provides comfort and stability while facilitating blood flow.
D. While this position can help with venous return and reduce the risk of complications such as orthostatic hypotension, it is not specifically beneficial for an above-the-knee amputation recovery. It may not adequately address the need for proper stump support and elevation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The effectiveness of oral antihypoglycemic agents does not depend on dosage amounts that would make them cost-prohibitive. Instead, these medications work by stimulating insulin production or enhancing insulin sensitivity, which is not relevant for Type 1 diabetes.
B. While some individuals may have allergies to certain medications, this is not the reason oral antihypoglycemic agents are ineffective for those with Type 1 diabetes. The ineffectiveness is not related to allergy but rather to the underlying pathology of the disease.
C. While it is true that the risk of hypoglycemia exists with all glucose-lowering therapies, this is not the primary reason why oral antihypoglycemics are ineffective in Type 1 diabetes. The use of these agents may increase hypoglycemia risk in a broader context, but the fundamental issue is related to insulin deficiency.
D. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin due to autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Oral antihypoglycemic agents typically rely on the presence of some endogenous insulin to be effective.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While the ease of fitting a prosthesis is a consideration, it is not the main factor. The level of amputation is primarily determined by medical considerations, particularly related to health and healing.
B. This is the primary determinant for the level of amputation. Surgeons aim to preserve as much limb length as possible while ensuring that the remaining tissue has adequate blood supply for healing.
Insufficient blood supply can lead to complications, including poor healing and infection, making this a critical factor in deciding the amputation level.
C. This option suggests a more aggressive approach than necessary. The goal is to remove only as much of the limb as required to address the medical issue (e.g., disease, trauma) while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible for optimal healing and function.
D. While a client’s functional ability with a prosthesis is an important consideration in rehabilitation planning, it is not the main factor in deciding the surgical level of amputation. The decision about how much limb to remove is made based on medical criteria, particularly healing potential.
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