Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client after joint replacement surgery. What action by the nurse is most important to prevent wound infection?
- A. Assess the client's white blood cell count
- B. Inspect the client's white blood cell count
- C. Monitor the client's temperature every 4 hours
- D. Use aseptic technique for dressing changes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Preventing surgical wound infection is a primary responsibility of the nurse, who must use aseptic technique to prevent wound infection. Other actions do not prevent infection but can lead to early detection of an infection that is already present.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client is on the postoperative unit after a total hip replacement. The client reports a sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assess neurovascular status of both legs
- B. Elevate the affected leg and apply ice
- C. Prepare to administer pain medication
- D. Try to place the affected leg in abduction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This client has manifestations of hip dislocation, a critical complication of this surgery. Hip dislocation can cause neurovascular compromise. The nurse should assess neurovascular status, comparing both legs. The nurse should not try to move the extremity to elevate or abduct it. Pain medication may be administered if possible, but first the nurse should thoroughly assess this client.
A nurse is teaching a female client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about taking methotrexate (MTX) for disease control. What information does the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Avoid acetaminophen or over-the-counter medication
- B. It may take several weeks to become effective
- C. Pregnancy and breast-feeding are not affected by MTX
- D. You may find that folic acid, a B vitamin, reduces side effects
- E. Avoid crowds and sick people
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: MTX is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and is used as a first-line drug for RA. MTX can cause liver toxicity, so the client should be advised to avoid medications that contain acetaminophen. It may take weeks to effectively treat RA. MTX can cause immunosuppression, so avoiding sick people and crowds is important. Folic acid helps reduce side effects for some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding are contraindicated while on this drug.
A client has fibromyalgia and is prescribed duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta). The client calls the clinic reporting sedation. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. A little sedation will help you get some rest
- B. Depression often accompanies fibromyalgia
- C. Duloxetine reduces pain by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine
- D. You will have more energy after taking this drug
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Duloxetine works to increase the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which reduces the pain from fibromyalgia. The other answers are inaccurate.
A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is having difficulty completing activities of daily living (ADLs). What devices can the nurse suggest to increase the client's independence? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Grab bars
- B. Long-handled bath brushes
- C. Rocker-recliner
- D. Toothbrushes with built-up handles
- E. Wheelchair cushion
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Grab bars, long-handled bath brushes, and toothbrushes with built-up handles all provide modifications for daily activities, making it easier for the client with RA to complete ADLs independently. The rocker-recliner and wheelchair cushion are comfort measures but do not help increase independence.
The nurse is working with a client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The nurse has identified the priority problem of poor body image for the client. What finding by the nurse indicates goals for this client problem are being met?
- A. Attends book club meetings regularly
- B. Takes medication as directed
- C. Uses assistive devices to protect joints
- D. Engages in regular physical therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: All of the activities are appropriate for a client with RA. Clients who have a poor body image are often reluctant to appear in public, so attending public book club meetings indicates that goals for this client problem are being met.