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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Changing the catheter once each shift is unnecessary and can increase the risk of infection. Catheters should be replaced only when clinically indicated.
B. Checking the catheter tubing for kinks or twisting is essential to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of infection. This action promotes unobstructed urine flow, which is critical for infection prevention.
C. Replacing the catheter every 3 days is not a standard practice; catheters should be changed based on clinical need rather than a set schedule. This could unnecessarily increase the risk of infection.
D. While cleaning the perineal area is important, using an antiseptic solution daily may cause irritation and disrupt the normal flora of the area. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is typically recommended instead.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Kennet" is not a recognized food or beverage and is not known to cause bladder irritation. The question might include this as a distractor.
B. "Frestat" is also not a known food or beverage associated with bladder irritation and does not play a role in urinary incontinence management.
C. Dairy products generally do not cause bladder irritation. Although some individuals may experience sensitivity to dairy, it is not commonly associated with bladder irritation or incontinence.
D. Caffeinated beverages are known bladder irritants. Caffeine can increase urine production and stimulate bladder activity, leading to increased urgency and frequency, which can exacerbate urinary incontinence.