Author Question: For which of the following mobility-impaired patients is prevention of plantar flexion (footdrop) ... (Read 32 times)

bucstennis@aim.com · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

For which of the following mobility-impaired patients is prevention of plantar flexion (footdrop) through the use of pillows to support the lower legs and elevate the toes a primary intervention?

a. A 54-year-old diagnosed with osteoarthritis in all lower extremity joints
b. A 25-year-old with a fractured pelvis as a result of a motorcycle accident
c. A 78-year-old who has experienced left-sided paralysis resulting from a CVA
d. A 15-year-old who has been comatose for two years as a result of a head injury sustained from a fall off a roof

Question 2

The nurse calculates the medication dose for an infant on the pediatric unit and determines that the dose is twice what it should be. The pediatrician is contacted and says to administer the medication as ordered.

What is the next action that the nurse should take? (Select all that apply.) a. Notify the nursing supervisor.
b. Check the chain of command policy for such situations.
c. Give the medication as ordered.
d. Give the amount calculated to be correct.
e. Contact the pharmacy for clarification.

ergserg · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C

Feedback
A The 54-year-old patient diagnosed with osteoarthritis in all lower extremity joints would not have damage to the nerve necessary to cause the condition.
B The 25-year-old patient with a fractured pelvis as a result of a motorcycle accident would not have damage to the nerve necessary to cause the condition.
C The patient who has suffered a CVA with resulting left-sided paralysis (hemiplegia) is at risk for footdrop.
D There is little chance that the 15-year-old patient who has been comatose for two years as a result of a head injury sustained from a fall off a roof will ever be capable of mobility.

Answer to Question 2

A, B
Nurses follow health care providers' orders unless they believe the orders are in error or may harm patients. Therefore, the nurse needs to assess all orders. If an order seems to be erroneous or harmful, further clarification from the health care provider is necessary. If the health care provider confirms an order and the nurse still believe that it is inappropriate, the nurse should inform the supervising nurse or follow the established chain of command. The supervising nurse should be able to help resolve the questionable order, but only the health care provider who wrote the order or a health care provider covering for the one who wrote the order can change the order. Harm to the infant could occur if the medication dosage was too high. The nurse cannot change an order. Giving the amount calculated to be correct would not be what another nurse would do in the same situation. Although the pharmacy is an excellent resource, only the health care provider can change the order.