A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who sprained their ankle. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse expect?
Apply heat to the affected extremity for the first 24 hr.
Wrap the affected extremity with a compression dressing.
Administer acetaminophen for moderate pain and inflammation.
Advise the client to begin walking 4 hr following the injury.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Heat should not be applied during the first 24 hours after a sprain because it increases blood flow and swelling. Cold therapy (ice packs) is recommended initially to reduce inflammation. This option is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Wrapping the affected extremity with a compression dressing is part of the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), which is the standard treatment for sprains. Compression helps reduce swelling and provides support. This is the correct answer.
Choice C reason: Acetaminophen is effective for pain but does not reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are preferred for managing both pain and inflammation in sprains. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Advising the client to begin walking 4 hours after the injury is unsafe. Early ambulation can worsen tissue damage and swelling. Rest is recommended initially, followed by gradual weight-bearing as tolerated. This option is incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Airborne precautions are required for measles because the virus is transmitted via small respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air for long periods. Clients with measles should be placed in a negative pressure room, and staff should wear N95 respirators to prevent inhalation of airborne particles.
Choice B reason: Droplet precautions are used for larger respiratory droplets, such as those from influenza or pertussis. Measles requires stricter airborne precautions due to its high transmissibility.
Choice C reason: Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct contact, such as C. difficile or MRSA. Measles is not primarily spread by contact, so this is insufficient.
Choice D reason: Protective precautions are used for immunocompromised clients to protect them from infection, not for clients with measles.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying a saturated abdominal dressing (with sterile normal saline) is correct. Moist dressings prevent the exposed abdominal organs from drying out and reduce the risk of tissue necrosis. This is the immediate priority intervention until surgical repair can be performed.
Choice B reason: Cleansing the site with hydrogen peroxide is inappropriate because it can damage exposed tissues and increase the risk of infection. Hydrogen peroxide is not used for internal organ exposure.
Choice C reason: Covering the site with dry, sterile gauze is incorrect because dry gauze can adhere to the viscera, causing tissue damage when removed. Moist dressings are required to protect the organs.
Choice D reason: Reinserting protruding viscera is unsafe and contraindicated. Attempting to push organs back into the abdominal cavity can cause trauma, infection, and further complications. The nurse should protect the viscera and notify the surgical team immediately.
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