Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Instruct the client in use of the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.

Assist the client in assuming a lateral recumbent position for comfort.

Initiate continuous passive motion (CPM) to relieve muscle spasms.

Apply ice to the incision for twenty minutes prior to joint flexion exercises.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Instructing the client in the use of the PCA pump directly addresses the severe pain by allowing the client to self-administer analgesia as needed, which provides immediate relief and is crucial for effective pain management post-surgery.
B. Assisting the client in changing positions may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying pain, which should be managed primarily through medication.
C. Initiating CPM is not an appropriate first step for managing severe pain. CPM is used for improving joint mobility and should only be considered after effective pain management is established.
D. Applying ice might provide some temporary relief, but it is not a substitute for effective pain control through medication. Addressing the pain with PCA is the priority.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Determining if the expected outcomes were realistic is important but comes after comparing the actual client data with the expected outcomes. If the outcomes were unrealistic, it would be identified during this comparison.
B. Reviewing professional standards of care is important for ensuring that care meets quality standards but is not the immediate next step after reviewing the expected outcomes.
C. Obtaining current client data to compare with expected outcomes is the next step to assess whether the client’s condition has improved, worsened, or remained the same. This comparison is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the nursing care.
D. Modifying nursing interventions should be done based on the evaluation of client data and outcomes. It is a subsequent step after assessing whether the outcomes have been met.

A. Suggest using a stool softener. B. Recommend a daily laxative. C. Obtain a stool specimen. D. Discuss oral analgesic options.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Suggesting a stool softener is appropriate as it helps to ease bowel movements and reduce straining, which can alleviate pain associated with hemorrhoids and help establish a regular bowel pattern.
B. Recommending a daily laxative may not be appropriate for long-term use and could potentially exacerbate the issue if overused. It is generally better to start with less invasive measures like stool softeners.
C. Obtaining a stool specimen may be necessary for diagnostic purposes but does not directly address the immediate concern of painful defecation due to hemorrhoids.
D. Discussing oral analgesic options might help with pain management, but it does not address the underlying issue of constipation and the need for a regular bowel pattern. Stool softeners are more directly related to resolving the constipation problem.

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Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When evaluating the effectiveness of a client's nursing care, the nurse first reviews the expected outcomes identified in the plan of care. What action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assisting an older adult client who has problems with constipation and reports fear of defecation because of painful hemorrhoids, to establish a regular bowel pattern. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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