Tom had surgery on his fractured ankle after a four-wheeler accident a few months ago. Now, he is experiencing pain at the original site, redness, and swelling, along with fever, chills, and a rapid pulse
a. Discuss what possible condition this is and what the causative organism is.
b. What are the treatment options?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. Infection of the bone, which causes blood supply to be limited; inflammation on the tissue; and bone necrosis develop.
Acute infection, which suddenly appears, is caused by Staphylococcus aureus (50% of bone infections) and other gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas and enterococci species.
May be chronic; results from bacteria entering the bone through the bloodstream
Acute localized is caused by trauma, where the bone is penetrated by a wound or fracture.
Microorganisms migrate to other areas, and the bone involved is subject to pathologic fractures.
b. Treatment includes antibiotics specific to the organism involved for 3 to 6 weeks at least or may be longer.
Bone flaps, antibiotic-impregnated beads into the wound, and immobilization of the bone to prevent fracture; amputation as the last resort if other treatments have failed
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Which of the following ethical dilemma situations during the provision of care would violate the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
To determine whether her patient has responded favorably to a nursing intervention, a staff nurse should observe the client for:
a. improved health. b. increased complaints. c. outcome indicators. d. signs and symptoms.
A man calls the nurse's station stating that his wife, who delivered 2 days ago, is happy one minute and crying the next. The man says, "She was never like this before the baby was born." The nurse's initial response should be to
a. Tell him to ignore the mood swings, as they will go away. b. Reassure him that this behavior is normal. c. Advise him to get immediate psychological help for her. d. Instruct him in the signs, symptoms, and duration of postpartum blues.
The nurse is assessing an elderly client who was diagnosed with GERD for complaints of heartburn at night that is so severe it causes insomnia. After some discussion they decide that the client will:
1. Avoid caffeine at bedtime and sleep with the head of his bed elevated. 2. Substitute a noncaffeinated diet soda before bed in place of tea. 3. Limit food seasonings to garlic, red pepper, and sea salt. 4. Continue hot tea at bedtime and sleep with the foot of his bed elevated.