A nurse is collecting data from a client following the application of a leg cast for the treatment of a fracture. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to find first if the cast is too tight?
Toes cool to touch
Inability to move toes
Pallor of the toes
Edema of the toes
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: Toes cool to touch.
Choice A rationale: When a cast is too tight, it can compromise blood circulation to the extremity. This results in decreased blood flow and reduced oxygenation, causing the toes to feel cool to the touch.
Choice B rationale: Inability to move toes is a significant concern that can also indicate nerve compression due to a tight cast. However, it may not be the first sign of a tight cast, as impaired blood circulation will likely be evident before nerve damage.
Choice C rationale: Pallor of the toes, or a pale appearance, can occur when there is restricted blood flow. However, the coolness of the toes is often noticeable before pallor develops.
Choice D rationale: Edema of the toes, or swelling, can occur due to a tight cast, but it is usually a later sign. Initially, the toes may feel cool to the touch, followed by other symptoms such as pallor, pain, and eventually, swelling.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When contributing to the plan of care for a client to achieve the outcome of functional healing of a fracture, the highest priority nursing intervention to assist in meeting this outcome is to maintain immobilization and alignment for the client. This helps to ensure that the bones are in the correct position to heal properly and can prevent complications such as malunion or nonunion.
a. Promoting independence in activities of daily living for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
b. Providing relief from pain and discomfort for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
d. Providing optimal nutrition and hydration for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a.Skeletal traction is often better than skin traction for reducing and maintaining alignment of a fracture because it involves the insertion of pins, wires, or screws directly into the bone, allowing for greater force and stability.
b.Clients in skin traction typically have less mobility compared to those in skeletal traction. Skin traction is usually used for short-term purposes or less severe fractures and involves attaching weights to the skin using adhesive materials or bandages, which can limit movement to some extent.
c.Skeletal traction involves inserting hardware into the bone, which creates an entry point for potential infection. Therefore, it has a higher risk for infection compared to skin traction, which does not involve invasive procedures.
d.While both types of traction can cause discomfort, skeletal traction is typically more invasive and can be associated with more discomfort and pain due to the pins or wires inserted into the bone. Skin traction, while uncomfortable due to the adhesive and pressure on the skin, generally causes less discomfort than skeletal traction.
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