Author Question: What action by the perioperative nursing staff is most important to prevent surgical wound infection ... (Read 79 times)

craiczarry

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 527
What action by the perioperative nursing staff is most important to prevent surgical wound infection in a client having a total joint replacement?
 
  a. Administer preoperative antibiotic as ordered.
  b. Assess the client's white blood cell count.
  c. Instruct the client to shower the night before.
  d. Monitor the client's temperature postoperatively.

Question 2

The nurse on the postoperative inpatient unit assesses a client after a total hip replacement. The client's surgical leg is visibly shorter than the other one and the client reports extreme pain. While a co-worker calls the surgeon,
 
  what action by the nurse is best?
  a.
  Assess neurovascular status in both legs.
  b.
  Elevate the affected leg and apply ice.
  c.
  Prepare to administer pain medication.
  d.
  Try to place the affected leg in abduction.



cam1229

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 329
Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
To prevent surgical wound infection, antibiotics are given preoperatively within an hour of surgery. Simply taking a shower will not help prevent infection unless the client is told to use special antimicrobial soap. The other options are processes to monitor for infection, not prevent it.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
This client has manifestations of hip dislocation, a critical complication of this surgery. Hip dislocation can cause neurovascular compromise. The nurse should assess neurovascular status, comparing both legs. The nurse should not try to move the extremity to elevate or abduct it. Pain medication may be administered if possible, but first the nurse should thoroughly assess the client.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

In 1844, Charles Goodyear obtained the first patent for a rubber condom.

Did you know?

Amphetamine poisoning can cause intravascular coagulation, circulatory collapse, rhabdomyolysis, ischemic colitis, acute psychosis, hyperthermia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pericarditis.

Did you know?

The most dangerous mercury compound, dimethyl mercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death. Mercury has been shown to accumulate in higher amounts in the following types of fish than other types: swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, crab, and tuna.

Did you know?

Astigmatism is the most common vision problem. It may accompany nearsightedness or farsightedness. It is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, but sometimes it is the result of an irregularly shaped lens. Either type can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Did you know?

Earwax has antimicrobial properties that reduce the viability of bacteria and fungus in the human ear.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library