Author Question: An older adult client has experienced a fracture of the arm from a fall. The priority of care for ... (Read 36 times)

imowrer · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An older adult client has experienced a fracture of the arm from a fall. The priority of care for the older client is monitoring for infection because:

1. circulation is reduced.
2. self-care is difficult.
3. the elderly cannot take antibiotics.
4. the elderly have slower reflexes.

Question 2

A client who has returned from surgery after an amputation of the lower leg complains of significant pain in the absent foot. The nurse should:

1. tell the client the foot is gone.
2. administer pain medication.
3. request a psychiatric consult.
4. notify the physician.

amynguyen1221 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1

1. Circulation is reduced in the older client, which delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection.
2. Self-care would not put the client at risk for infection.
3. The elderly can take antibiotics.
4. Slower reflexes would put the client at risk for injury, not infection.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2

1. It is thought that, even though the limb is gone, the nerve tracts remain causing phantom pain that the client actually feels.
2. The nurse administers pain medication for a very real pain.
3. The client may require referral to a pain clinic, not a psychiatrist.
4. The physician will expect phantom pain and does not need to be notified.