Author Question: Which patient is best suited for heat therapy? a. A patient with low back pain b. A patient with ... (Read 76 times)

bobypop · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Which patient is best suited for heat therapy?

a. A patient with low back pain
b. A patient with suspected appendicitis
c. A patient with first-degree burn
d. A patient with active bleeding

Question 2

A postoperative patient visits the ambulatory care clinic complaining of just not feeling well. The patient has an elevated temperature. Which assessment finding should indicate to the nurse that the wound has become infected?

a. Negative culture
b. No odor
c. Presence of fluid around the edges
d. Purulent drainage coming from the incision area

kiamars2010 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Low back pain treatment of heat is used to promote muscle relaxation, and reduces pain from spasm or stiffness. Do not apply heat over an active area of bleeding (risk for continued bleeding) or an acute localized inflammation such as appendicitis (risk for rupture). Cold therapy, not heat, is indicated for a first-degree burn.

Answer to Question 2

D
Purulent drainage indicates an infection as it contains dead or living organisms and white blood cells and is often yellow, green, or brown. If the drainage has a pungent or strong odor, an infection is likely. No odor indicates normal healing. When an infection develops, the wound edges are usually brightly inflamed, warm, tender, and swollen. Culture results would come back positive for bacteria if an infection is present; a negative culture indicates no infection is present.