A client who has a compound fracture of the right tibia has a long-leg fiberglass cast. To reinforce teaching for the client about how to observe and manage his fracture at home, the nurse should include which of the following instructions?
Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.
Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast
Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.
Avoid moving the affected leg.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.
This is not recommended as using a blow dryer on a cast can cause burns. Instead, the cast should be allowed to air-dry or be dried with a fan.
B. Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast.
Inserting objects, including cotton swabs, under the cast can lead to complications such as infection or skin damage. It is not recommended to insert anything into the cast.
C. Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.
This is the correct instruction. Persistent or increasing pain can indicate complications such as swelling, infection, or neurovascular compromise. It is important for the client to promptly report any changes in pain to healthcare providers.
D. Avoid moving the affected leg.
While it's important to limit movement to allow for proper healing, complete immobilization can lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Gentle range-of-motion exercises for non-weight-bearing areas may be encouraged, but any specific movement instructions should be provided by the healthcare provider. If movement causes significant pain or discomfort, the client should consult the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check that the client lifts the walker and then places it down in front of her.
To ensure proper use of a standard walker and the safety of the client, the nurse should check that the client lifts the walker and then places it down in front of her. This sequence of lifting and moving the walker forward provides stability and support during ambulation.
B. Walk in front of the client to guide her in moving the walker.
The nurse should walk beside or slightly behind the client to provide support and supervision. Walking in front may hinder the client's ability to maneuver the walker.
C. Have the client move one leg forward with the walker.
The proper technique is for the client to move the walker forward and then step into it with the affected leg. Moving one leg forward with the walker may compromise stability.
D. Make sure that the upper bar of the walker is level with the client’s waist.
The correct height of the walker is essential for proper use. The walker should be adjusted to the client's height, with the top bar at the level of the client's wrists when their arms are at their sides, not at the waist.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ensure the rope knots are away from the pulleys.
While ensuring that rope knots are away from the pulleys is a general principle in traction care to maintain proper functioning, it is not directly related to the specific positioning of the child's feet in Buck's traction.
B. Ensure the child’s feet are against the footboard.
This statement is correct. Ensuring that the child's feet are against the footboard helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevent complications such as contractures. It is an important aspect of care when managing Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in Buck's traction.
C. Apply antibiotic ointment to the pin sites daily.
This action is not applicable to Buck's traction. Buck's traction involves the use of a boot or splint, and it does not include pins or pin sites. The use of antibiotic ointment for pin sites is more relevant in the context of skeletal traction.
D. Reduce the child’s fluid intake.
There is no indication to reduce the child's fluid intake specifically in the context of Buck's traction. Adequate hydration is generally important for overall health, and fluid restriction is not a standard practice for managing Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in Buck's traction.
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