The charge nurse on the orthopedic unit has 4 semiprivate room beds available. Which room should the nurse assign to a client being transferred from the post anesthesia recovery unit following a total knee replacement?

Question

The charge nurse on the orthopedic unit has 4 semiprivate room beds available.  Which room should the nurse assign to a client being transferred from the post anesthesia recovery unit following a total knee replacement?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A client who is postoperative total knee replacement is at risk for infection. No postoperative client should be assigned to a room with a client who has an actual infection or the potential for infection. This client should be assigned to room 4 as the client with the cast has the lowest potential risk for infection (Option D). (Option A) This client has erythema at the pin sites; this can be a sign of infection, a complication of skeletal traction. (Option B) This client has cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin, and osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. (Option C) This client has a fasciotomy wound, which is usually kept open for several days to relieve the pressure in the myofascial compartment. This client is a potential source of infection and is susceptible to infection as well. Educational objective: A client who is postoperative total knee replacement is at increased risk for infection. This client should not be assigned to a room with a client who has an actual (eg, cellulitis, osteomyelitis) or potential (eg, skeletal traction, fasciotomy) infection.

The Charge Nurse on the Orthopedic Unit Has 4 Semiprivate