A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours postoperative following the application of an external fixator for a tibial fracture.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Wrap sterile gauze on the sharp point of the pins.
Adjust the clamps on the fixator frame.
Maintain the affected extremity in a dependent position.
Palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse.
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse.
This is to assess for peripheral neurovascular dysfunction, which is a potential complication of a tibial fracture.
Choice A, wrapping sterile gauze on the sharp point of the pins, is not an answer because it is not mentioned in the search results as an intervention for a client with an external fixator for a tibial fracture.
Choice B, adjusting the clamps on the fixator frame, is not an answer because it is not mentioned in the search results as an intervention for a client with an external fixator for a tibial fracture.
Choice C, maintaining the affected extremity in a dependent position, is not an answer because it is not mentioned in the search results as an intervention for a client with an external fixator for a tibial fracture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
On an electrocardiogram (ECG), these signals appear as small spikes followed by a QRS complex, which represents the contraction of the ventricles.
Choice A, A regular sinus rhythm, is not the correct answer because a regular sinus rhythm is a normal heart rhythm that originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node and does not involve a pacemaker.
Choice B, A chaotic, irregular rhythm, is not the correct answer because a pacemaker is designed to regulate the heartbeat and prevent chaotic or irregular rhythms.
Choice C, the Absence of any electrical activity, is not the correct answer because a pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart to regulate its activity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should attend to the client who has thrombocytopenia and reports a nosebleed first.
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding.
A nosebleed can be a sign of significant bleeding, and it is important for the nurse to assess the severity and take appropriate action to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications.
Although the other clients also require nursing care, their conditions are not as urgent as the client with thrombocytopenia and a nosebleed.
The client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89% may require oxygen therapy or other interventions to improve respiratory function, but the situation is not immediately life-threatening.
The client with left-sided paralysis and slurred speech from a prior stroke may require ongoing care and rehabilitation, but there is no indication of an acute change in their condition.
The client with multiple sclerosis and ataxia and vertigo may require assistance with mobility and balance, but their symptoms do not pose an immediate threat to their health.
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