A nurse is caring for a client following application of a cast. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place an ice pack over the cast.
Position the casted extremity on a pillow.
Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Place an ice pack over the cast. While this can help reduce swelling and pain, it is a comfort measure, not the priority. Safety assessments must be completed first before implementing non-urgent interventions.
B. Position the casted extremity on a pillow. Elevation is important to reduce swelling, but it follows after ensuring that circulation to the extremity is intact and that there are no signs of vascular compromise.
C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry. Education is essential for long-term cast care, but it is not the first action after cast application. Immediate post-procedural monitoring takes precedence.
D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast. The nurse should first assess for adequate circulation by checking distal pulses. This helps identify early signs of complications like compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow, making it the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palms of the hands. In clients with dark skin, assessing for cyanosis is best done in areas where skin is lighter and blood vessels are more visible, such as the palms, soles, lips, mucous membranes, and conjunctiva. These sites provide clearer visual cues of decreased oxygenation.
B. Area of trauma. This area may show signs of bruising or inflammation, but it is not ideal for assessing cyanosis. Local changes in color may be due to injury, not systemic oxygenation.
C. Sacrum. The sacrum is typically assessed for pressure injuries, not for cyanosis. Its location and frequent pressure make it a less reliable site for detecting systemic color changes.
D. Shoulders. The shoulders are not reliable sites for detecting cyanosis, especially in individuals with darker skin, as color changes may be less apparent in more heavily pigmented or sun-exposed areas.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Wear loose-fitting clothing. After ICD implantation, the site may be sore or swollen, and tight clothing can cause irritation or pressure. Loose-fitting clothes help protect the incision and device, reducing discomfort and risk of complications.
B. Return in two weeks for a follow-up MRI. Most implantable cardioverter/defibrillators are not MRI-compatible unless specifically labeled as such. MRI exposure can interfere with device function and is generally avoided unless approved by a cardiologist.
C. Expect to have a rapid pulse rate for the first few weeks. The purpose of an ICD is to monitor and correct life-threatening arrhythmias, not to increase the heart rate. A rapid pulse is not expected and may indicate a complication requiring immediate evaluation.
D. Resume tub baths and swimming after 24 hr. Immersing the incision site in water within the first few weeks post-op increases the risk of infection. The client should avoid soaking the incision until it is fully healed, typically 1 to 2 weeks post-procedure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.