A child has had a cast placed on his left arm following a diagnosed fracture. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
Smooth the rough edges of the cast to maintain skin integrity
Wear sterile gloves when touching or removing the cast
Monitor capillary refill and color of nail beds of the left-hand
Monitor for signs of pain
Assess for numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation of the left hand.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
Smoothing the rough edges of the cast can help maintain skin integrity and prevent skin irritation or injury.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring capillary refill and color of nail beds of the left hand is important to assess the circulation to the hand and ensure that the cast is not too tight.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring for signs of pain can help detect complications such as compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that can occur if pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels.
Choice E rationale
Assessing for numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation of the left hand is important as these can be signs of nerve damage or compression.
Choice B rationale
Wearing sterile gloves when touching or removing the cast is not typically necessary. The outside of a cast is not a sterile environment, and healthcare providers do not usually wear sterile gloves when handling it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 2+ right pedal pulse indicates a normal pulse and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.
Choice B rationale
Tingling in the right foot could indicate nerve damage or compromised blood flow, which can be a serious complication of a femur fracture. This should be the nurse’s priority as it could lead to long-term damage if not addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale
A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is considered normal and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.
Choice D rationale
A respiratory rate of 24/min is within the normal range for a school-age child and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While placing a pillow under the child’s head might seem like a good idea, it’s actually not recommended during a seizure. The child’s movements could be unpredictable, and a pillow could potentially cause suffocation.
Choice B rationale
Removing the child’s eyeglasses is a good idea, but it’s not the first thing you should do. The child’s safety is the top priority, and eyeglasses can be removed once the child is safe.
Choice C rationale
Timing the seizure is important for medical professionals to know, but it’s not the first action to take. The child’s immediate safety is the priority.
Choice D rationale
Moving the child into a side-lying position is the priority. This position helps keep the airway clear and allows any vomit to exit the mouth, reducing the risk of choking.
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