The home health nurse educates the 75-year-old patient about the ...

[stephzh]

The home health nurse educates the 75-year-old patient about the warm compresses he is using on his swollen elbow. Which information is most important to include in the teaching plan?
 
  a. Apply the warm compress directly on the skin.
  b. Allow the compress to remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
  c. Take aspirin 30 minutes prior to applying the compress.
  d. Alternate the warm compress with an ice pack every 10 minutes.

Question 2

While bathing a patient, the nurse notes that a transdermal patch that was meant to be on the patient for 3 days is now gone on the second day. What action should the nurse take?
 
  a. Document the loss and apply a fresh patch to be replaced in 3 days.
  b. Report the loss to the charge nurse.
  c. Document the loss, replace the patch, and continue with the original schedule for replacement.
  d. Remind the patient that oral pain relief will be available until the patch is replaced in 24 hours.

[britb2u]

Answer to Question 1

B
Applications of heat should only be left in place for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm compress should not be applied directly on the skin. The warm compress does not need to be combined with pharmacologic therapy, and aspirin therapy may not be indicated. The nurse should consult with the health care provider before suggesting any medication. The compress works to offer mild pain relief by vasodilation; these effects would be negated by alternating the warm compress with ice.

Answer to Question 2

A
The patch should be replaced after the loss is documented, and the schedule should be changed. There is no need for the patient to wait for a new patch to be applied in 24 hours.

[stephzh]

Thank you

[britb2u]

No problemo