Which action should the nurse take when repositioning the patient who has just had a laminectomy and discectomy?
Instruct the patient to move the legs before turning the rest of the body.
Place a pillow between the patient's legs and turn the entire body as a unit.
Turn the patient's head and shoulders first, followed by the hips, legs, and feet.
Have the patient turn by grasping the side rails and pulling the shoulders over.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Moving the legs independently before turning can strain the spine and disrupt the surgical site. It does not ensure spinal alignment, which is critical after a laminectomy and discectomy to promote healing and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Placing a pillow between the legs and turning the body as a unit maintains spinal alignment, reducing stress on the surgical site. This technique, known as logrolling, ensures the spine remains stable during movement.
Choice C rationale
Turning the head and shoulders first, followed by the hips, legs, and feet, can result in twisting of the spine, which could compromise the surgical site and delay healing. It is not recommended.
Choice D rationale
Using side rails for movement requires significant upper body strength and may cause twisting of the spine, which is contraindicated post-spinal surgery. This method poses a risk of disrupting the surgical repair.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgeries, accounting for a significant percentage globally. It results from inflammation of the appendix, often due to obstruction by fecalith or lymphoid hyperplasia. This condition progresses to localized infection, abscess formation, and potential rupture, requiring urgent surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice B rationale
The assertion that appendicitis is not the most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery contradicts epidemiological data. Diseases like cholecystitis or bowel obstructions occur less frequently and often have alternate non-surgical management options. Appendicitis’s acute presentation and high risk of complications necessitate surgery, maintaining its predominance in emergency settings.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.