A patient is on bed rest after sustaining injuries in a car accident. Which nursing action helps prevent complications of immobility?
a. Decreasing fluid intake to ease dependent edema
b. Turning the patient every 2 hours and providing a low-air-loss mattress
c. Raising the head of the bed to maximize the patient's lung inflation
d. Bathing and feeding the patient to decrease energy expenditure
B
To avoid pressure ulcers in an immobilized patient, the nurse must assess the skin thoroughly and use such preventive measures as regular turning, a low-air-loss mattress, and a trapeze (if the patient's condition allows). The nurse should increase, not decrease, the patient's fluid intake to help prevent renal calculi, which may result from immobility. To prevent atelectasis, another complication of immobility, having the patient cough, deep-breathe, and use an incentive spirometer would be more effective than raising the head of the bed. Instead of bathing and feeding the patient, the nurse should promote independent self-care activities whenever possible to prepare the patient for a return to the previous health status.
You might also like to view...
The nurse should screen clients carefully for medical conditions involving which of the following prior to the administration of colchicine? Select all that apply
A) Gastrointestinal disorders B) Pulmonary disorders C) Cardiac disorders D) Blood disorders E) Central nervous system disorders
What is the nurse accountable for, according to the state nurse practice act?
A) Continuing education B) Nursing diagnoses C) Prescribing medications D) Mentoring other nurses
The leader must value and establish relationships with an acceptance of the values of all members
Match the name of the leadership theory with its description. a. Transformational leadership theory c. New science leadership theory b. Leadership tasks theory d. Traditional view of leadership
A man is starting therapy with leuprolide for prostate cancer. The nurse should warn him that:
1. blood transfusions may be required. 2. he will be at increased risk for infection. 3. the drug can be given only intramuscularly. 4. the drug may cause a temporary flare-up in his cancer symptoms.