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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A) Administer ibuprofen as needed for pain: Ibuprofen is not typically recommended for pain relief in infants under 6 months old due to the risk of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation and renal impairment. Additionally, surgical repair of a cleft lip is not typically associated with severe postoperative pain requiring ibuprofen in infants.
B) Encourage the parents to rock the infant: This is the correct intervention. Rocking or gentle movement can provide comfort to infants postoperatively and may help soothe them. It can also promote bonding between the infant and parents, which is important for emotional support during the recovery period.
C) Offer the infant a pacifier: Pacifiers can be soothing for infants and may help provide non-nutritive sucking comfort. However, it's essential to ensure that the pacifier does not interfere with wound healing or exacerbate discomfort related to the cleft lip repair. Therefore, while offering a pacifier may be appropriate, it should be done with caution and under the guidance of the surgical team.
D) Position the infant on her abdomen: Placing the infant on her abdomen (prone position) is not recommended postoperatively, especially after cleft lip repair surgery. The supine position is typically preferred to reduce the risk of aspiration and ensure adequate airway patency. Additionally, the prone position may put pressure on the surgical site and cause discomfort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "There is no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client." This response acknowledges the variability among individuals but does not provide specific information about urinary frequency during pregnancy. While it's true that the duration of urinary frequency can vary from person to person, the response lacks guidance or reassurance for the client.
B. "It occurs during the first trimester and near the end of the pregnancy." This response correctly identifies the pattern of urinary frequency during pregnancy. Urinary frequency is common during the first trimester due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder. It may also occur near the end of pregnancy as the fetus descends into the pelvis, putting pressure on the bladder again.
C. "In most cases it only lasts until the 12th week, but it will continue if you have poor bladder tone." This response suggests that urinary frequency typically resolves by the 12th week of pregnancy but may persist if the client has poor bladder tone. While urinary frequency may improve for some women after the first trimester, attributing its continuation solely to poor bladder tone oversimplifies the issue.
D. "It’s a minor inconvenience, which you should ignore." This response minimizes the client's concerns and does not provide helpful information about urinary frequency during pregnancy. Urinary frequency can be distressing for some pregnant individuals and should not be dismissed as a minor inconvenience.
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