A nurse is caring for a client who has a distal radius fracture with a short arm cast applied. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching.
Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hr.
Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart.
Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Fluid overload is a potential complication of blood transfusion, and dyspnea is one of the hallmarks of fluid overload. Other signs and symptoms of fluid overload include a headache, hypertension, jugular vein distention, rapid breathing, and tachycardia.
An explanation for incorrect choices:
B. Fever is generally not associated with fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction.
C. Pruritus is typically not associated with fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as an allergic reaction.
D. Bradycardia is not typically associatedwith fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A bladder infection can lead to confusion or other changes in mental status, especially in older adults. A normal temperature and WBC count do not necessarily indicate a bladder infection. Diminished reflexes are not typically associated with a bladder infection.
A: A temperature of 37.3° C (99.1° F) is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a bladder infection.
B: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a bladder infection.
D: Diminished reflexes are not typically associated with a bladder infection.
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