A nurse is caring for a school-age child who sprained their ankle 1 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to decrease the swelling?
Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage.
Encourage active exercise of the ankle.
Place the ankle below the level of the heart.
Apply ice packs directly to the ankle in 60 min intervals.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage: Applying an elastic bandage provides compression, which helps reduce swelling by limiting fluid accumulation in the injured tissues. Compression also supports the ankle and helps prevent further injury.
B. Encourage active exercise of the ankle: Active exercise immediately after a sprain can increase swelling and worsen the injury. Rest and immobilization are essential in the initial phase to promote healing and minimize inflammation.
C. Place the ankle below the level of the heart: Positioning the ankle below heart level promotes blood pooling and increases swelling. Elevation above heart level is recommended to help reduce edema.
D. Apply ice packs directly to the ankle in 60 min intervals: Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, but applying ice directly to the skin can cause tissue damage. Ice packs should be wrapped in a cloth and applied intermittently (usually 15–20 minutes on, then off) to avoid frostbite and skin injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","G","H","I","J"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Answers:
- Mucous membranes pink and moist: Reflects adequate hydration and improved fluid status compared to previous "dry and sticky" description.
- Respirations are regular/ RR 24/min: Indicates stable respiratory function with no signs of distress or respiratory compromise as compared to the previous irregular respirations
- HR 104/min / BP 104/80 mm Hg: Demonstrates cardiovascular stability within age-appropriate ranges and an improvement from the initial readings
- Radial pulse 2+ bilateral / Cap refill < 2 seconds: Suggests good perfusion and improved circulatory status compared to previous delayed cap refill and weak pulses.
- SpO₂ 98% on room air: Demonstrates sufficient oxygenation without need for respiratory support and an improvement from 97%.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
- Drowsy and lethargic, but responsive to verbal stimuli: Neurologic status has not improved from the previous day; continued lethargy and altered mental status require ongoing evaluation.
- Nuchal rigidity present: This is a classic sign of meningeal irritation and ongoing central nervous system involvement; it has not resolved and remains concerning.
- Temperature 38.9°C (102°F): The elevated temperature indicates persistent fever, suggesting that the infection or inflammation is still active.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Place your infant on a soft crib mattress after they are 4 months old.": A soft mattress increases the risk of suffocation and should be avoided at all ages. Infants should always sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of SUID.
B. "Use bumper pads around the interior of your infant's crib.": Bumper pads pose a suffocation and strangulation hazard and are no longer recommended. Cribs should be kept bare, without pillows, toys, or bumpers.
C. "Share a bedroom with your infant for the first 6 months.": Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended as a protective factor against SUID. It allows for easier monitoring and feeding while reducing risks associated with co-sleeping in the same bed.
D. "Cover your infant with a nonflammable blanket at bedtime.": Blankets of any kind can increase the risk of suffocation or overheating. Instead, caregivers should use sleep sacks or wearable blankets designed for infant safety during sleep.
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.