Author Question: The nurse caring for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis observes the client eating breakfast ... (Read 31 times)

ahriuashd · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse caring for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis observes the client eating breakfast and determines the client would be more independent if the utensils were easier to hold.

The nurse communicates with what team member to meet this need? 1. Physical therapist
2. Physician
3. Registered nurse
4. Occupational therapist

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client who has had a below-the-knee amputation and is positioned in bed with the affected knee on a pillow. To prevent hip and knee contractures, the nurse plans to do which of the following at least once a shift?

1. Place the client in the lateral position with a pillow between the legs once a shift for 30 minutes.
2. Place the client in the semi-Fowler's position without pillows under the knees to promote extension.
3. Place the client in the prone position once a shift for 30 minutes.
4. Place the client in the high Fowler's position to fully flex the hip.

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

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: The occupational therapist provides daily activities to stimulate the mind, and orders adaptive devices to improve the independence of the client. The physical therapist would be useful if the client required exercises to strengthen the hand, but not in obtaining assistive devices. The physician might need to approve the device in some facilities, but the nurse would speak to the occupational therapist to obtain the device and determine the usefulness of a device before talking with the physician. The LPN/LVN can speak with the occupational therapist independently without involving the RN in most facilities.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: The client who is positioned most of the time with the hips and knees flexed should be placed in the prone position to extend the hips and knees and prevent contractures of these joints. The lateral position continues to flex the hip and knees, as do both of the Fowler's positions.