A nurse working on an orthopedic unit is caring for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for skin breakdown?
An adolescent who has a cervical fracture and is in a halo brace
A middle adult who has a fractured radius and an arm cast
An older adult who has a hip fracture and is in Buck's traction
A young adult who has a femur fracture and is in skeletal balanced suspension traction
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Although the adolescent in a halo brace has some immobility, the greatest risk factors for skin breakdown involve areas where prolonged pressure is applied, and older adults are more vulnerable due to age-related skin changes.
B. A fractured radius and arm cast do not pose a significant risk for skin breakdown because the client can still mobilize and reposition themselves, reducing prolonged pressure.
C. An older adult with a hip fracture in Buck's traction is at greatest risk for skin breakdown due to immobility, pressure from the traction setup, and the reduced skin elasticity and healing capacity that come with age.
D. While skeletal balanced suspension traction poses some risk, a young adult typically has better skin integrity and mobility than an older adult, reducing the risk for skin breakdown.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The opening of the pouch should be cut about 1/8 of an inch larger than the stoma to ensure a proper fit without restricting blood flow or irritating the stoma.
B. Placing a gauze over the stoma during a pouch change helps to absorb any discharge and keep the area clean while preparing the new appliance.
C. Povidone-iodine should not be used to clean around the stoma, as it can irritate the skin. The skin should be cleaned with mild soap and water or a recommended stoma cleanser.
D. A stoma that turns purple-blue is a sign of impaired blood flow and requires immediate medical attention. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red and moist.
E. The ostomy pouch should be emptied when it is about one-third full to prevent leakage, odor, and unnecessary pressure on the stoma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Application of antibiotic ointment involves assessment and clinical judgment, which should be performed by a licensed nurse rather than an AP.
B. The removal of a nasogastric tube is a nursing task that requires training and knowledge of potential complications, and it should not be assigned to an AP.
C. Monitoring vital signs of a client who had an appendectomy 12 hours ago can be safely delegated to an AP, as it is a basic task that does not require clinical judgment beyond standard procedures.
D. Obtaining medical history information from a stable client is a task that requires assessment skills and critical thinking, making it inappropriate to assign to an AP.