A child has a right femur fracture caused by a motor vehicle crash and is placed in skin traction temporarily until surgery can be preformed. During assessment, the nurse notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent on the right foot. Which action should the nurse take?

Notify the health care provider (HCP)

Administer an analgesic

Release the skin traction

Apply ice to the extremity

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The absence of the dorsalis pedis pulse in the right foot is concerning and could indicate compromised circulation to the extremity. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider promptly so that further assessment and intervention can be initiated to address the circulation issue and prevent potential complications such as ischemia or tissue damage.

B. Administering an analgesic may be necessary to manage the child's pain, especially if they are experiencing discomfort due to the femur fracture. However, addressing the absent dorsalis pedis pulse takes priority as it suggests a potential vascular problem that requires immediate attention.

C. Releasing the skin traction may not be appropriate at this point without further assessment and guidance from the healthcare provider. Skin traction is often used to temporarily stabilize fractures and reduce pain, and releasing it without proper evaluation could potentially exacerbate the injury or compromise the child's comfort and stability.

D. Applying ice to the extremity is not indicated in this situation. Ice application is typically used for acute injuries to reduce swelling and inflammation, but it is not appropriate when there is concern about compromised circulation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. This is characteristic of Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign is elicited when the thigh is flexed at the hip and then attempts to extend the leg at the knee are met with resistance or pain due to inflammation of the meninges.

A. Petechial and purpuric rashes are associated with meningococcal meningitis, not specifically with Kernig's sign. These rashes result from bleeding into the skin and are a characteristic feature of meningococcal sepsis. However, they are not directly related to Kernig's sign.
B. This observation describes Brudzinski's sign, not Kernig's sign. Brudzinski's sign occurs when passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees due to meningeal irritation.
D. Muscle and joint pain can be symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign specifically refers to resistance or pain experienced when attempting to extend the leg at the knee.

A. Prepare the client for liver biopsy B. Put the client in a protective environment C. Position the client dorsal recumbent D. Place the client on NPO status

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. The correct action would be to place the client on NPO (Nothing by Mouth) status, option D. This is because a decreased level of consciousness can increase the risk of aspiration.

A. Liver biopsy is not indicated for suspected meningitis with a decreased level of consciousness. Liver biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a sample of liver tissue for diagnostic purposes, typically to evaluate liver function or diagnose liver diseases.

B. A protective environment (option B) is more related to immunocompromised patients. In the case of decreased level of consciousness, preventing aspiration is key.

C. Dorsal recumbent position refers to lying on the back with the knees flexed. While this position may be suitable for certain medical procedures or examinations, it is not specifically indicated for a client with suspected meningitis and a decreased level of consciousness.

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A child has a right femur fracture caused by a motor vehicle crash and is placed in skin traction temporarily until surgery can be preformed. During assessment, the nurse notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent on the right foot. Which action should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse notes documentation that a child with meningitis is exhibiting a positive Kernig's sign. Which observation is a characteristic of this sign?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has suspected meningitis and a decrease level of consciousness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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