Author Question: A 50-year-old patient is being discharged after a week of IV antibiotic therapy for acute ... (Read 97 times)

Jkov05 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 50-year-old patient is being discharged after a week of IV antibiotic therapy for acute osteomyelitis in the right leg. Which information will be included in the discharge teaching?

a. How to apply warm packs to the leg to reduce pain
b. How to monitor and care for the long-term IV catheter
c. The need for daily aerobic exercise to help maintain muscle strength
d. The reason for taking oral antibiotics for 7 to 10 days after discharge

Question 2

A 67-year-old patient is receiving IV antibiotics at home to treat chronic osteomyelitis of the left femur. The nurse chooses a nursing diagnosis of ineffective health maintenance when the nurse finds that the patient

a. is frustrated with the length of treatment required.
b. takes and records the oral temperature twice a day.
c. is unable to plantar flex the foot on the affected side.
d. uses crutches to avoid weight bearing on the affected leg.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The patient will be on IV antibiotics for several months, and the patient will need to recognize signs of infection at the IV site and how to care for the catheter during daily activities such as bathing. IV antibiotics rather than oral antibiotics are used for acute osteomyelitis. Patients are instructed to avoid exercise and heat application because these will increase swelling and the risk for spreading infection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Foot drop is an indication that the foot is not being supported in a neutral position by a splint. Using crutches and monitoring the oral temperature are appropriate self-care activities. Frustration with the length of treatment is not an indicator of ineffective health maintenance of the osteomyelitis.