A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check and clean the pin insertion sites daily. This is important to prevent infection, which is a common complication with external fixation devices. Cleaning the pin sites reduces the risk of infection and promotes healing. Summary of other choices: B: Removing the external fixator for showering can compromise the stability of the fracture. C: Remaining on bed rest until bone healing is complete is not necessary and can lead to complications like muscle atrophy. D: Taking prophylactic antibiotics until the fixator is removed is not recommended unless there is a specific indication for infection prevention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial action by the nurse in this scenario is to assess the pedal pulses (Choice C). This is crucial to determine the circulation and perfusion status of the injured limb. If the pedal pulses are absent or weak, it indicates compromised blood flow, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Elevating the right leg (Choice A) may worsen circulation if pulses are weak. Splinting the lower leg (Choice B) should only be done after assessing the pulses. Verifying tetanus immunization (Choice D) is important but not the immediate priority in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Incontinence of urine and stool indicates potential spinal cord injury or nerve compression, requiring immediate evaluation. 2. Choice A is important but does not indicate a life-threatening condition. 3. Choice C is expected with a lumbar vertebral compression fracture and can be managed conservatively. 4. Choice D is relevant for long-term management but does not require immediate intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Logroll the patient every 2 hours. This is crucial for a patient with muscular dystrophy due to their weakened muscles, which can lead to pressure ulcers if not repositioned regularly. Logrolling helps prevent skin breakdown and maintains proper body alignment. Incorrect choices: B: Assisting with ambulation is not appropriate for a patient with muscular dystrophy as they have muscle weakness and mobility limitations. C: Discussing genetic testing may be important for diagnosis but is not a priority during hospitalization for pneumonia. D: Teaching about muscle biopsy is not directly related to the immediate care needs of a patient with pneumonia and muscular dystrophy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action before administering gentamicin for a patient with acute osteomyelitis is to review the patient’s serum creatinine (Choice C). This is crucial because gentamicin is nephrotoxic, and assessing the patient's renal function helps to prevent kidney damage. Checking for serum creatinine levels allows the nurse to determine if the patient's kidneys can safely metabolize and excrete the medication without causing harm. Choice A (Ask the patient about any nausea) is not directly related to the safe administration of gentamicin for osteomyelitis. Choice B (Obtain the patient’s oral temperature) is important for monitoring infection but is not specifically required before administering gentamicin. Choice D (Change the prescribed wet-to-dry dressing) is unrelated to medication administration and wound care.