A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?
Provide reassurance to the client and parents.
Perform a neurovascular assessment.
Apply an ice pack to the casted leg
Explain the discharge instructions to the client and parents.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Provide reassurance to the client and parents: While reassurance is important, it is not the priority action when caring for an adolescent client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Ensuring adequate neurovascular status is critical to prevent complications associated with impaired circulation or nerve function.
B. Perform a neurovascular assessment: This is the correct action and the priority when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. The nurse should assess the client's neurovascular status by evaluating circulation, sensation, and movement distal to the casted limb. Changes in color, temperature, sensation, or movement could indicate impaired circulation or nerve function, which require immediate intervention to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome.
C. Apply an ice pack to the casted leg: While applying ice may help reduce swelling and discomfort, it is not the priority action when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. Additionally, applying ice directly to the cast may not effectively reach the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing discomfort without providing significant benefit.
D. Explain the discharge instructions to the client and parents: Providing discharge instructions is important for client education, but it is not the priority action immediately after applying a cast. Ensuring the client's safety and well-being by performing a neurovascular assessment takes precedence to identify and address any potential complications associated with the cast.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Notify the client's provider: This option might be considered if there are signs of postpartum hemorrhage, such as excessive bleeding, signs of shock, or a boggy uterus that does not respond to massage. However, in this scenario, the fundus is midline and firm, which indicates appropriate uterine contraction. Therefore, notifying the provider at this point may not be necessary.
B. Encourage the client to empty her bladder: Encouraging the client to empty her bladder is always important in the postpartum period, as a full bladder can impede uterine contraction. However, the presence of lochia rubra and small clots along with a midline and firm fundus suggests that uterine involution is progressing well. While encouraging the client to empty her bladder is appropriate, it may not be the priority in this situation.
C. Increase the frequency of fundal massage immediately: Fundal massage is typically performed to promote uterine involution and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, in this scenario, the fundus is already midline and firm, indicating adequate contraction. Increasing the frequency of fundal massage unnecessarily could cause discomfort to the client and is not indicated based on the current assessment findings.
D. Document the findings and continue to monitor the client: This is the most appropriate action at this time. The presence of lochia rubra and small clots along with a midline and firm fundus suggests that the uterus is involuting properly. Documenting the findings allows for accurate documentation of the client's condition and continued monitoring for any changes or developments. If the client's condition changes or if there are signs of postpartum hemorrhage, further action, such as notifying the provider, can be taken.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Do not palpate abdomen: Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Palpation of the abdomen in a child with Wilms tumor can potentially rupture the tumor capsule and lead to dissemination of cancer cells or cause bleeding. Therefore, it is essential to instruct healthcare providers and caregivers not to palpate the child's abdomen to avoid complications.
B. Contact precautions: Contact precautions are not typically indicated for Wilms tumor. Contact precautions are implemented to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. Wilms tumor is not contagious and does not require contact precautions.
C. Collect all urine: While collecting urine may be necessary for diagnostic purposes and monitoring kidney function in a child with Wilms tumor, it is not the primary warning associated with the condition. The priority warning for Wilms tumor focuses on avoiding palpation of the abdomen to prevent potential complications.
D. No venipuncture or blood pressure in left arm: While venipuncture or blood pressure measurement in the left arm may be contraindicated in some situations, such as when a client has a central venous catheter or arteriovenous fistula, it is not specifically associated with Wilms tumor. The primary concern with Wilms tumor is to avoid palpation of the abdomen due to the risk of tumor rupture and dissemination of cancer cells.
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