A nurse cares for a client recovering from an above-the-knee ...

[RODY.ELKHALIL]

A nurse cares for a client recovering from an above-the-knee amputation of the right leg. The client reports pain in the right foot. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?
 
  a. Intravenous morphine
  b. Oral acetaminophen
  c. Intravenous calcitonin
  d. Oral ibuprofen

Question 2

A nurse cares for a client in skeletal traction. The nurse notes that the skin around the client's pin sites is swollen, red, and crusty with dried drainage. Which action should the nurse take next?
 
  a. Request a prescription to decrease the traction weight.
  b. Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing.
  c. Cleanse the area, scrubbing off the crusty areas.
  d. Obtain a prescription to culture the drainage.

[bassamabas]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The client is experiencing phantom limb pain, which usually manifests as intense burning, crushing, or cramping. IV infusions of calcitonin during the week after amputation can reduce phantom limb pain. Opioid analgesics such as morphine are not as effective for phantom limb pain as they are for residual limb pain. Oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not used in treating phantom limb pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
These clinical manifestations indicate inflammation and possible infection. Infected pin sites can lead to osteomyelitis and should be treated immediately. The nurse should obtain a culture and assess vital signs. The provider should be notified. By decreasing the traction weight, applying a new dressing, or cleansing the area, the infection cannot be significantly treated.