The nurse is caring for a patient with external fixation for a fracture involving severe bone damage. Which is the most important focus for the nurse during care of this patient?
Providing a caring and supportive attitude during a challenging time
Monitoring pin and wound sites for signs of infection
Being aware that the patient may experience issues with body image
Helping the patient achieve a desired level of mobility
The Correct Answer is B
A. Providing a caring and supportive attitude during a challenging time: While emotional support is crucial and beneficial for the patient's overall well-being and recovery, it is not the primary focus when dealing with external fixation and the risk of complications.
B. Monitoring pin and wound sites for signs of infection: Infection is a significant risk with external fixation devices, and early detection is critical to prevent severe complications such as osteomyelitis. This makes monitoring for infection the most important focus.
C. Being aware that the patient may experience issues with body image: Body image concerns are valid and can affect a patient’s mental health, but they are secondary to the physical risks associated with external fixation, such as infection.
D. Helping the patient achieve a desired level of mobility: Mobility is an important goal in the patient's rehabilitation, but ensuring the prevention of infection takes precedence because an infection can severely impact overall recovery.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Osteoarthritis causes the joints to become red and hot." This is more characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis, which involves inflammation leading to redness and warmth. Osteoarthritis typically causes pain and stiffness without significant redness or heat.
B. "Osteoarthritis is caused by an autoimmune process." Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear of the cartilage.
C. "Osteoarthritis affects other organs in the body." Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that can affect multiple organs. Osteoarthritis is localized to the joints and does not affect other organs.
D. "Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the body." Osteoarthritis can affect one joint or joints on one side of the body, such as one knee or one hip, whereas rheumatoid arthritis typically affects joints symmetrically.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pallor of the affected extremity: Pallor usually indicates vascular issues rather than a rotator cuff injury.
B. Alteration in the appearance of the shoulder joint: Visible deformity may suggest a dislocation or fracture, not specifically a rotator cuff injury.
C. Numbness of the thumb and index finger: Numbness of the thumb and index finger is more likely related to nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
D. Increased pain with lifting the arm: This is characteristic of a rotator cuff injury, which typically causes pain and weakness with shoulder movements, especially lifting the arm.
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