Question

A patient who has type 2 diabetes is admitted to the hospital with a fractured left femur. What are the two highest-priority actions for the nurse to implement?

a. Starting an intravenous solution of lactated Ringer solution
b. Administering ordered pain medication after taking vital signs
c. Glucometer testing to monitor the patient's blood glucose level
d. Giving the ordered prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infection
e. Encouraging assisted ambulation to avoid blood clot formation

Answer 1

The two highest-priority actions for the nurse to implement are starting an intravenous solution of lactated Ringer solution and giving the ordered prophylactic antibiotic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two highest-priority actions for the nurse to implement for a patient with type 2 diabetes admitted to the hospital with a fractured left femur are:

a. Starting an intravenous solution of lactated Ringer solution

and

d. Giving the ordered prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infection

.Starting an intravenous solution of lactated Ringer solution is important to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance for the patient. This is particularly crucial for a patient with type 2 diabetes as high blood glucose levels can lead to increased urine output and dehydration.

Administering the ordered prophylactic antibiotic is also essential to prevent infection, as patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing infections and have a slower healing process.