Nursing Process Test Bank Related

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What discharge teaching is most important to help the patient who has had a splenectomy prevent infection?

  • A. Avoid showering for 1 week.
  • B. Sleep in a semi-fowler’s position.
  • C. Receive vaccines against infection.
  • D. Stay on antibiotics for life.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Receive vaccines against infection. Following a splenectomy, the patient is at an increased risk of infection due to the absence of the spleen's immune function. Vaccines help boost the body's immunity against specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infections. This is crucial for preventing post-splenectomy infections.

Now, let's analyze the other choices:
A: Avoid showering for 1 week - There is no evidence to support that avoiding showering would prevent infection after a splenectomy.
B: Sleep in a semi-fowler’s position - Positioning does not directly impact infection prevention post-splenectomy.
D: Stay on antibiotics for life - Long-term antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended unless specifically indicated for a different reason.