A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured hip and was placed in skeletal traction 2 hours ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Provide pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative.
Remove the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed.
Assess the client's circulation every 4 hours.
Request the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Providing pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative is not appropriate. The client has just undergone skeletal traction placement, and pin care is usually initiated after 24 hours to allow for initial wound healing.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed is unsafe and not recommended. The weights should remain in place to provide continuous traction and alignment for the fractured hip.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the client's circulation every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any signs of impaired circulation, such as swelling, pallor, or decreased pulses. Early detection of circulatory compromise is critical to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity is not appropriate after skeletal traction placement. Ankle exercises could disrupt traction and hinder the healing process of the fractured hip.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tender, bleeding gums could be a sign of phenytoin-induced gingival hyperplasia, a serious adverse effect of phenytoin. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale:
Increased facial hair is not a common adverse effect of phenytoin and may not require immediate medical attention. It could be due to other factors or conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Constipation is a common side effect of many medications, including phenytoin. While it should be monitored, it does not require immediate reporting to the provider unless severe or persistent.
Choice D rationale:
A skin rash can be an adverse effect of phenytoin, but it does not necessarily require immediate reporting unless it is severe, accompanied by other symptoms, or indicative of a serious allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering furosemide may be appropriate for managing ascites, but it is not directly related to preventing complications. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid retention but does not address other potential complications of liver cirrhosis.
Choice B rationale:
Weighing the client weekly is essential to monitor changes in body weight and fluid status, which is crucial in detecting worsening ascites or fluid retention. Sudden weight gain could indicate an exacerbation of ascites or other complications, warranting timely intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client a high-sodium diet is contraindicated in managing ascites. A high-sodium diet would lead to increased fluid retention and worsen the ascites, potentially exacerbating the client's condition and increasing the risk of complications.
Choice D rationale:
Administering heparin is not relevant to preventing complications in a client with liver cirrhosis and abdominal ascites. Heparin is an anticoagulant, and its use is not indicated for this particular condition.
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