Description

1. The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged after an emergency splenectomy following an automobile accident. Which instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching? a. Watch for excess bruising. b. Check for swollen lymph nodes. c. Take iron supplements to prevent anemia. d. Wash hands and avoid persons who are ill. ANS: D Splenectomy increases the risk for infection, especially with gram-positive bacteria. The risks for lymphedema, bleeding, and anemia are not increased after a person has a splenectomy.