The nurse is caring for a patient with an external fixation device. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
Clean pins with hydrogen peroxide four times daily.
Monitor pin sites at least daily.
Loosen screws holding the pins during cleaning.
Use strict aseptic technique for pin care.
Follow agency protocol for pin care.
Avoid touching the pins.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Clean pins with hydrogen peroxide four times daily. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for routine pin care as it can damage tissue and delay healing. Overuse can also lead to the formation of oxygen bubbles in the tissue, which may cause complications. Recommended cleaning solutions often include saline or a mild antiseptic, depending on the facility's protocol.
B. Monitor pin sites at least daily: Regular monitoring of pin sites is essential to detect early signs of infection or complications such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, which is crucial in preventing more severe infections and complications.
C. Loosen screws holding the pins during cleaning. Loosening screws can destabilize the fixation device and disrupt the bone alignment, potentially causing injury and delaying healing. Screws and pins should remain securely tightened unless adjustments are being made by a qualified healthcare provider.
D. Use strict aseptic technique for pin care: Using strict aseptic technique helps prevent the introduction of microorganisms at the pin sites. This is critical because external fixation devices create a direct pathway for pathogens to enter the body, which can lead to serious infections like osteomyelitis.
E. Follow agency protocol for pin care: Each healthcare facility may have specific protocols and guidelines for pin care based on evidence-based practices. Following these protocols ensures that the care provided is consistent and meets the latest standards for infection control and patient safety.
F. Avoid touching the pins. While it is crucial to avoid unnecessary handling of pins to prevent contamination, touching the pins during necessary cleaning and care using aseptic technique is allowed. Completely avoiding touching the pins could result in inadequate cleaning and care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Paresthesia: Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia) can occur due to decreased blood supply and nerve function.
B. Pruritus: Itching (pruritus) is not typically associated with arterial occlusion. It is more often related to skin conditions or allergies.
C. Pain: Pain is a hallmark symptom of arterial occlusion, often described as severe and sudden, due to tissue ischemia.
D. Pallor: Affected limbs or areas may appear pale (pallor) because of reduced blood flow.
E. Palpitations: Palpitations are not a direct symptom of arterial occlusion. They are more related to cardiac conditions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) exam: While an ECG is important to assess cardiac status, it is not the immediate priority compared to addressing the low oxygen saturation.
B. Obtain intravenous access: IV access is important for administering medications and fluids but does not take precedence over addressing hypoxia.
C. Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula: This is correct. The priority is to improve oxygenation since hypoxia can exacerbate neurological damage in a stroke patient. An SpO2 of 88% is low and requires immediate correction to prevent further complications.
D. Obtain a rectal temperature: Temperature assessment is not as urgent as addressing the immediate need for oxygen to improve SpO2 levels.
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