A client with a sprained ankle is seen at the clinic and is given a pair of crutches. When the client stands with the aid of the crutches, the nurse notes a space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client's axilla. Which action should the nurse take?
Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size.
Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted.
Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands.
Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.
Choice A rationale:
Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size. This is unnecessary because the crutches are already correctly fitted. A space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client’s axilla is appropriate to prevent pressure on the axilla and potential nerve damage.
Choice B rationale:
Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted. This action is not needed since the crutches are already properly adjusted. Adjusting the crutch length further could lead to improper fitting, which might cause discomfort or injury.
Choice C rationale:
Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands. While assessing circulation is important, it is not directly related to the fitting of the crutches. Proper crutch fitting focuses on ensuring there is no pressure on the axilla and that the client can use the crutches comfortably.
Choice D rationale:
Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches. This is the correct action because the crutches are already properly fitted. The nurse should now focus on educating the client on the correct use of the crutches to ensure safe and effective mobility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Choice A reason:
There is no mention of an open wound that requires cleansing and dressing, so this action is not applicable based on the provided patient data.
Choice B reason:
The patient has blanchable redness on both heels and the coccyx, which are signs of pressure injury risk. Ofloading these areas is essential to prevent the development of pressure ulcers.
Choice C reason:
There is no indication of elder abuse in the provided scenario, so contacting adult protective services would not be appropriate.
Choice D reason:
Given the patient's difficulty with mobility and the reported occasional accidents, a bowel training program could help manage his bowel incontinence and improve his quality of life.
Choice E reason:
An enema is not indicated as there is no evidence of constipation or bowel obstruction in the patient's history or nurse's notes.
Condition F reason:
The patient is most likely experiencing pressure injuries, as indicated by the redness on his heels and coccyx, which are common sites for pressure ulcers due to immobility.
Condition G reason:
There is no evidence of elder abuse in the patient's history or nurse's notes. Condition H reason:
Altered nutrition may be a concern due to the patient's reported difficulty eating full meals and less than optimal intake, but it is not the primary condition indicated by the nurse's assessment.
Condition I reason:
There is no evidence of bowel obstruction; the patient's main issue seems to be related to pressure injury and incontinence.
Parameter J reason:
Monitoring wound status is crucial for managing and tracking the healing process of any existing or potential pressure injuries.
Parameter K reason:
While documentation of skin prevention measures is important, it is not as immediate as monitoring wound status and incontinence episodes.
Parameter L reason:
Monitoring incontinence episodes will help evaluate the effectiveness of the bowel training program and any other interventions put in place to manage the patient's incontinence.
Parameter M reason:
Vital signs should always be monitored, but they are not specific to assessing the progress of pressure injury management or bowel training program effectiveness.
Parameter N reason:
Family dynamics are not relevant in this case as the patient lives alone and there is no indication of family involvement in his care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving water may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention if there is a concern about urinary output.
Choice B reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should occur after initial assessments and interventions.
Choice C reason: Checking for a kink in the drainage tubing is a quick and simple intervention that may resolve the issue of low output.
Choice D reason: Reviewing the intake and output record is important for understanding the patient's fluid status but is not the first action to take in this situation.
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