What is an appropriate nursing intervention for postoperative care of a patient with a fractured leg?
Apply warm compresses to the fractured leg
Encourage the patient to bear weight on the affected leg
Monitor the surgical incision for signs of infection
Assist the patient with ambulation using crutches or a walker
The Correct Answer is C
A. Apply warm compresses to the fractured leg: Warm compresses are not typically recommended immediately after surgery due to the risk of increasing inflammation and swelling.
B. Encourage the patient to bear weight on the affected leg: Weight bearing should be done according to the physician's orders. Early weight bearing can cause complications if not appropriately timed.
C. Monitor the surgical incision for signs of infection: This is a critical nursing intervention to prevent and detect postoperative infections early.
D. Assist the patient with ambulation using crutches or a walker: Assisting with ambulation using crutches or a walker is important for safety and promoting mobility, but it should be done following weight-bearing restrictions.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Check the client's toes for color, temperature, and sensation. This assessment ensures that there is no neurovascular compromise, which is crucial for detecting complications like compartment syndrome.
B. Elevate the client's foot. Elevation reduces swelling and helps decrease pain and inflammation.
C. Apply a compression bandage or ace wrap to the client's ankle. Compression helps reduce swelling and provides support to the injured area.
D. Encourage range of motion of the client's foot and ankle. Encouraging range of motion immediately after an acute injury can exacerbate pain and swelling. Immobilization and rest are initially required.
E. Apply heat to the client's ankle. Heat should not be applied in the acute phase as it can increase swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy is recommended initially.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. There is numbness and tingling sensations in the surgical limb. Numbness and tingling may indicate neurovascular compromise, such as compartment syndrome or nerve damage, requiring immediate medical attention.
B. Surgical pain is a 4 on a scale 0-10. Pain at a level 4 postoperatively is generally manageable and expected. It does not indicate an immediate complication.
C. The foot on the surgical limb is slightly cooler than the other limb. While a slightly cooler foot could be a concern, it is less urgent than numbness and tingling. Monitoring and comparing with other symptoms are necessary.
D. There are +2 pulses and the surgical limb is pink in color. This indicates good circulation and is a positive sign, not requiring immediate reporting.
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