A patient with a total hip replacement is progressing well and expects to be discharged tomorrow. On returning to bed after ambulating, he complains of a new onset of pain at the surgical site. What is the nurse's best action?
A) Administer pain medication as ordered.
B) Assess the surgical site and the affected extremity.
C) Reassure the patient that pain is a direct result of increased activity.
D) Assess the patient for signs and symptoms of systemic infection.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Worsening pain after a total hip replacement may indicate dislocation of the prosthesis. Assessment of pain should include evaluation of the wound and the affected extremity. Assuming he's anxious about discharge and administering pain medication do not address the cause of the pain. Sudden severe pain is not considered normal after hip replacement. Sudden pain is rarely indicative of a systemic infection.
You might also like to view...
A patient has a parathyroid tumor causing oversecretion of parathyroid hormone. What intervention does the nurse implement to prevent a complication of this oversecretion?
A) Fall precautions B) Frequent vital signs C) Weight-bearing exercise D) Water-soluble vitamins
__________ are facts obtained through observation, physical examination, and diagnostic testing
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
The client receives H2-receptor antagonists for treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Based on the nursing diagnosis risk for bleeding, which assessment finding would the nurse plan to report immediately to the physician?
1. The client reports pain after 24 hours of treatment. 2. The client reports episodes of melana. 3. The client reports he took Tums with his H2-receptor antagonist. 4. The client reports he is constipated.
Which of the following should the nurse do if a female client is experiencing nipple discharge? (Select all that apply.)
1. Note the color of the discharge. 2. Determine if the discharge is from one or both breasts. 3. Obtain a sample of the discharge with a sterile cotton-tipped swab. 4. Assess the nipple drainage for occult blood 5. Apply sterile bandages over the nipple. 6. Pad the client's bra with gauze.