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.
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A family attorney is the most appropriate professional to contact for more information about advance directives. Attorneys are knowledgeable about the legal aspects of advance directives, including living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare, and can provide guidance on how to properly complete these documents.
B. A nurse manager may provide general information, but an attorney is more suited to address the legal aspects of advance directives.
C. A hospice nurse focuses on end-of-life care but may not have the expertise to provide comprehensive information about the legal requirements for advance directives.
D. A chaplain can offer spiritual support but is not the best resource for legal information regarding advance directives.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The first priority is to notify the information services department to address the technical issue with the computer system. This ensures that the problem is being handled and allows the nurse to focus on immediate patient care needs.
B. Printing the EMR from the backup server is not possible until the issue with the computer system is resolved. Immediate reporting to IT is necessary to address the technical problem first.
C. Identifying information as a late entry is premature and not the immediate priority. Ensuring the functionality of the electronic system is crucial before making manual records.
D. Waiting for the system to reboot does not address the immediate need for technical support and may delay patient care.
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