A client who is on postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery is ...

[segrsyd]

A client who is on postoperative day 1 after abdominal surgery is requesting a back rub. The nurse realizes this care should be provided by
 
  1. the registered nurse.
  2. unlicensed assistive personnel.
  3. no one, because the client cannot assume the prone position.
  4. the physician.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to massage a client's back. Place in order the steps the nurse will follow, after conducting hand hygiene and preparing the client, to perform the back massage.
 
  1. Move the hands down the sides of the back.
  2. Pour lotion into the palms of the hands to warm the lotion.
  3. Massage the areas over the right and left iliac crests.
  4. Move the hands up the center of the back.
  5. With the palms, massage the sacral area with smooth, circular strokes.
  6. Move the hands to the scapulae and massage this region using circular strokes.

[TDubDCFL]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Because the client is on day 1 in recovery from abdominal surgery, the client's condition might not be stable enough to have unlicensed assistive personnel perform the skill.
Rationale 2: Although unlicensed assistive personnel might be able to perform the skill, the client's condition might warrant that the nurse provide the back rub.
Rationale 3: The client can assume a side-lying position for the back rub.
Rationale 4: The nurse can provide the back rub. The physician does not need to be contacted to do this.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2, 5, 4, 6,1, 3
Rationale: To perform a back massage, the nurse should: (1) pour a small amount of lotion into the palms of the hands and hold for a minute to warm; (2) with the palms, begin in the sacral area using smooth, circular strokes; (3) move the hands up the center of the back; (4) move the hands to the scapulae and massage this region using circular strokes; (5) move the hands down the sides of the back; and (6) massage the areas over the right and left iliac crests.