A new nurse receives orders to administer enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a patient following
resurfacing hip arthroplasty. In reviewing a medication reference for information about
enoxaparin, the nurse should learn:
a. this medication is given intramuscularly
b. this drug is interchangeable with heparin
c. the injection site should not be massaged after drug administration
d. the platelet count need not be monitored during use of this drug - ANSWER c. the
injection site should not be massaged after drug administration
It is recommended to alternate sites of administration; do not rub injection site after
administration. Enoxaparin should not be given intramuscularly (IM) but should be
administered by subcutaneous injection. As a low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin can
contribute to development of thrombocytopenia. The nurse should monitor results of
complete blood counts and assess for signs of bleeding
A patient with chronic sepsis of the right knee is in the clinic to discuss surgical options. The
nurse should expect which of the following procedures to be discussed?
a. TKA
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,b. Arthrodesis
c. Synovectomy
d. Tibial osteotomy - ANSWER b. Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis, or knee fusion, is one of the last options to give the patient a stable, painless
knee. Indications include chronic sepsis, failed TKA, a periarticular tumor. The other
procedures would not be indicated for a septic joint.
What is an arthrodesis? - ANSWER knee fusion
surgical immobilization of a joint by fusion of the adjacent bones
What is a synovectomy? - ANSWER Synovectomy refers to the destruction or
surgical removal of the membrane (synovium) that lines a joint.
Usually to treat for inflammatory arthritis of the knee
What is a tibial osteotomy? - ANSWER During a tibial osteotomy, the surgeon
removes a wedge-shaped portion of the shin bone (tibia) to help compensate for a
deformity in the knee joint. This deformity can cause the knee's protective cartilage to wear
on one side more than the other.
What kind of patients need antibiotic-impregnated cement for arthroplasty? -
ANSWER Patients who have diabetes, immunosuppressive medications or patients
undergoing revision surgery
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, The nurse is preparing to discharge a 36-year-old construction worker who underwent total
hip arthroplasty. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a life-altering change
expected for this patient?
a. The need for assistance during rehabilitation
b. Use of an assistive device such as a walker or crutches
c. Having to seek a different job
d. Using antibiotics before dental work - ANSWER c. Having to seek a different job
Due to the heavy work lifting typical to a construction worker, the patient should change
jobs to prevent change damage to the hip joint. The other options are temporary, not life-
altering
What is osteomyelitis? - ANSWER Osteomyelitis is inflammation or swelling that
occurs in the bone. It can result from an infection somewhere else in the body that has
spread to the bone, or it can start in the bone — often as a result of an injury.
Some weeks after undergoing total ankle arthroplasty for traumatic arthritis, a patient has
an office visit. The patient's condition during an office visit is consistent with osteomyelitis.
Which of the following should the nurse recognize as indicative of early osteomyelitis?
a. A pathologic fracture of the affected bone
b. Drainage from an abscess on the affected limb
c. X-ray changes showing areas of bony destruction
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