A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a fractured right tibia and a cast. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Pain following range-of-motion exercises.
Pruritus under the cast.
Presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent.
Coolness of the toes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Pain following range-of-motion exercises is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider. It could indicate the possibility of complications, such as further injury or impaired healing. Adolescents with fractured bones are often encouraged to perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. However, increased pain during or after these exercises could indicate problems like muscle strain or improper alignment of the fracture, which need to be addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Pruritus (itching) under the cast is common and can be expected due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sweat. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it's not an urgent concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Strategies to alleviate itching, such as using a cool blow dryer under the cast, can be taught to the client.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent is a normal response to gravity and is not an alarming finding. Swelling when the extremity is dependent is expected, especially within the initial stages of fracture healing. It suggests that the blood supply is reaching the area for healing purposes. Elevation and rest can help reduce the swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Coolness of the toes could be due to reduced blood flow, but this finding alone may not be an immediate concern. It's essential to consider the client's overall circulation, capillary refill, and presence of pulses. If other signs of impaired circulation, such as pallor or delayed capillary refill, are present along with coolness, it might indicate compromised vascular supply. However, based on the information provided, this choice is not as urgent as reporting pain following range-of-motion exercises.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Implementing fluid restrictions is not recommended for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is characterized by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and fluid replacement is a crucial aspect of its management. Restricting fluids could worsen dehydration and hinder the correction of metabolic imbalances.
Choice B rationale:
(Correct Choice) Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is an important intervention for a school-age child with DKA. Vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, provide valuable information about the child's overall condition, fluid status, and response to treatment. More frequent monitoring might be necessary during the acute phase of DKA.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating continuous cardiac monitoring is not typically indicated for a school-age child with DKA. While DKA can have effects on the cardiovascular system, continuous cardiac monitoring is reserved for more critical situations where immediate changes in heart rhythm need to be detected.
Choice D rationale:
Administering subcutaneous insulin 30 minutes before meals is not appropriate for a child with DKA. In DKA management, insulin is typically administered intravenously to achieve more precise control over blood glucose levels. Subcutaneous insulin might not provide the rapid and consistent action needed to address the acute hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis in DKA.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the infant in a supine position during naps might not be the best action for an infant with heart failure. In heart failure, infants often experience difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Placing the infant in a more upright position, such as semi-Fowler's, can help alleviate some of this respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Feeding the infant a bottle every 4 hours is important, but it might not directly address the immediate concerns of an infant with heart failure. Infants with heart failure might have difficulty feeding due to fatigue and respiratory distress. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and assessing the infant's feeding tolerance is crucial.
Choice C rationale:
Correct Answer. Documenting the infant's respiratory rate every 2 hours is an important action. Infants with heart failure often have respiratory distress and an increased respiratory rate, as the body tries to compensate for decreased cardiac output. Documenting the respiratory rate will help the healthcare team monitor the infant's condition and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Withholding digoxin if the infant's heart rate is greater than 100/min is not necessarily the correct action. Digoxin is a medication commonly used in heart failure to improve cardiac contractility. While it's important to monitor the infant's heart rate, a heart rate of greater than 100/min might be due to the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to heart failure. Withholding the medication without consulting a healthcare provider might not be appropriate.
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