The student nurses ask the RN if a Foley catheter would be an appropriate intervention to protect intact skin for a patient who is not ambulatory, incontinent, and confused.
The nurse knows that it would be appropriate to ask the physician for an order to place a Foley catheter for this patient.

Choice A rationale

X-rays are commonly used to diagnose osteoarthritis as they effectively visualize joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis, which are characteristic of OA. These imaging findings assist in confirming the diagnosis and assessing disease progression.

Choice B rationale

Lithography is not a diagnostic tool used for OA. It primarily refers to a printing method and has no relevance to imaging joints affected by osteoarthritis or diagnosing the condition scientifically.

Choice C rationale

Ultrasound can visualize soft tissues but is not routinely used for OA diagnosis. It does not provide the detailed assessment of joint degeneration seen in X-rays, making it less appropriate for identifying OA-related changes.

Choice D rationale

Echocardiograms are used to assess heart function and have no application in diagnosing osteoarthritis. They are irrelevant in imaging joint structures or evaluating degenerative joint diseases scientifically. .

Choice A rationale

Checking blood pressure does not directly address the faint pulses and cool foot. While hypotension could contribute to peripheral perfusion issues, the signs described more likely indicate compartment syndrome, which requires urgent action.

Choice B rationale

Repositioning the leg might provide some comfort but does not alleviate the potential compartment syndrome. Elevation could worsen ischemia by reducing arterial blood flow.

Choice C rationale

Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment. This pressure compromises circulation and tissue viability. The nurse must notify the health care provider immediately to prevent permanent damage.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the incision for redness delays addressing the critical signs of potential compartment syndrome. Redness indicates infection, but faint pulses and a cool extremity necessitate more urgent evaluation.