Nokea
After a total knee replacement, a client is on the postoperative nursing unit with a continuous femoral nerve block. On assessment, the nurse notes the client's pulses are 2+/4 bilaterally, the skin is pale pink, warm, and dry, and the client is unable to dorsiflex or plantarflex the affected foot. What action does the nurse take?
- A. Document the findings and monitor as prescribed
- B. Increase the frequency of monitoring the client
- C. Notify the surgeon or anesthesia provider immediately
- D. Palpate the client's bladder to perform a bladder scan
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: With the femoral nerve block, the client should still be able to dorsiflex and plantarflex the affected foot. Since this client has an abnormal finding, the nurse should notify either the surgeon or the anesthesia provider immediately. Documentation is the last priority. Increasing the frequency of assessment may be a good idea, but first the nurse must notify the appropriate person. Palpating the bladder is not related.
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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.
A client who has had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for many years is in the clinic reporting hip pain with ambulation. Which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assess if the client has been taking steroids
- B. Facilitate a consultation with physical therapy
- C. Measure the range of motion in both hips
- D. Notify the health care provider immediately
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steroid use is common in clients with SLE and can lead to osteonecrosis (bone necrosis). The nurse should determine if the client has been taking a steroid. Physical therapy may be beneficial, but there is not enough information about the client yet. Measuring range of motion is best done by the physical therapist. Notifying the provider immediately is not warranted.
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.
The nurse working in the orthopedic clinic knows that a client with which factor has an absolute contraindication for having a total joint replacement?
- A. Needs multiple dental fillings
- B. Over age 85
- C. Severe osteoporosis
- D. Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Osteoporosis is a contraindication to joint replacement because the bones have a high risk of shattering as the new prosthesis is implanted. The client who needs fillings should have them done prior to the surgery. Age greater than 85 is not an absolute contraindication. A urinary tract infection can be treated prior to surgery.
A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is on the postoperative nursing unit after having elective surgery. The client reports that the arm feels like pins and needles and that the neck is painful since returning from surgery. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Assist the client to change positions
- B. Encourage range of motion of the neck
- C. Notify the provider immediately
- D. Provide pain medication as ordered
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with RA can have cervical joint involvement. This can lead to an emergent situation due to potential spinal cord compression. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess for this serious complication.