The second day after admission with a fractured pelvis, a ...

[pane00]

The second day after admission with a fractured pelvis, a 64-year-old patient suddenly develops confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  a. Take the blood pressure.
  b. Assess patient orientation.
  c. Check the oxygen saturation.
  d. Observe for facial asymmetry.

Question 2

A patient undergoes a left above-the-knee amputation with an immediate prosthetic fitting. When the patient arrives on the orthopedic unit after surgery, the nurse should
 
  a. place the patient in a prone position.
  b. check the surgical site for hemorrhage.
  c. remove the prosthesis and wrap the site.
  d. keep the residual leg elevated on a pillow.

[bob]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The patient's history and clinical manifestations suggest a fat embolus. The most important assessment is oxygenation. The other actions are also appropriate but will be done after the nurse assesses gas exchange.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse should monitor for hemorrhage after the surgery. The prosthesis will not be removed. To avoid flexion contracture of the hip, the leg will not be elevated on a pillow. The patient is placed in a prone position after amputation to prevent hip flexion, but this would not be done during the immediate postoperative period.

[pane00]

Correct answers!

[bob]

Great! Please up vote