A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?
a. "You will need to check and clean the pin insertion sites daily."
b. "The external fixator can be removed for your bath or shower."
c. "You will need to remain on bed rest until bone healing is complete."
d. "Prophylactic antibiotics are used until the external fixator is removed."
ANS: A
Pin insertion sites should be cleaned daily to decrease the risk for infection at the site. An external fixator allows the patient to be out of bed and avoid the risks of prolonged immobility. The device is surgically placed and is not removed until the bone is stable. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely given when an external fixator is used.
You might also like to view...
A terminally ill patient with liver cancer is moaning and very agitated. He is going in and out of consciousness. The nurse has an order to given morphine sulfate IV for pain control. His respiratory rate is 10
Which ethical principle would the nurse use to decide whether or not to administer the medication? A) Veracity B) Double effect C) Confidentiality D) Autonomy
"Speed balling" is a mixture of which two psychoactive substances?
A. nicotine and caffeine b. cocaine and heroin c. methamphetamine and cocaine d. heroin and amphetamine
Why do aspirin-sensitive patients substitute aspirin with acetaminophen to relieve pain?
A. Acetaminophen does not affect platelet aggregation. B. Acetaminophen does not produce GI irritation or ulceration in therapeutic doses. C. Acetaminophen does not affect prothrombin response. D. All of the above are correct.
Error-reduction strategies during medication administration include (choose all that apply)
A) quiet zone signs at entrance to the medication room B) protocols and checklist outlining medication administration C) wearing of a sash or vest to signal others to avoid interruptions of the nurse during medication administration D) carrying several patients' prescanned medications on a tray