Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients Requiring Orthopedic Treatment Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients Requiring Orthopedic Treatment related questions and content

During the assessment of a client scheduled for orthopedic surgery, the nurse discovers that the client was previously treated for the disorder. In such a case, what additional data need to be collected?

  • A. Occurrence of complications or problems during treatment
  • B. Measures taken to minimize postoperative wound infection
  • C. Perception of the client about the previous treatment
  • D. Details of the medical team that handled the previous treatment
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: If the same disorder has been treated earlier, the nurse needs to determine and document any complications or problems that occurred during treatment. The nurse can determine whether the client understands the treatment or not based on the measures taken by the client to minimize postoperative wound infection. However, this factor can be assessed later because the nurse needs to explain the new treatment to the client. Although the client's perceptions of the previous treatment may be helpful, this data would not be as important. In addition, the nurse does not need to get details about the medical team that handled the previous treatment, unless specifically asked to do so.