A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has an external fixation device in place to treat an open fracture of the tibia and fibula. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Apply 4.5 kg (10 lb) traction weight to the distal end of the fixator.
Monitor the neurovascular status of the client's affected limb every 8 hr.
Administer pain medication 30 min prior to pin care.
Adjust the clamps on the device's frame daily.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Applying traction weight to the external fixator is not recommended, as it can cause excessive stress on the pins and wires, leading to complications such as infection, loosening, or breakage1. Traction is usually applied to skeletal pins that are inserted into the bone without an external frame2.
Choice B rationale: Monitoring the neurovascular status of the affected limb is important, but every 8 hours is not frequent enough. The nurse should perform neurovascular checks every 2 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 4 to 8 hours, according to the facility policy3. This is to assess for signs of nerve damage, compartment syndrome, or impaired circulation, which can result from the injury or the device.
Choice C rationale: Administering pain medication 30 min prior to pin care is a correct intervention, as it can help reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure. Pin care involves cleaning the pin sites with an antiseptic solution and applying sterile dressings to prevent infection and promote healing. The frequency and technique of pin care may vary depending on the type of device, the condition of the wound, and the facility protocol.
Choice D rationale: Adjusting the clamps on the device’s frame daily is not a nursing intervention, as it can alter the alignment and stability of the fracture. The clamps should be tightened only by the orthopedic surgeon or a trained technician, and only when necessary. The nurse should inspect the device for any loose or broken parts and report any problems to the surgeon.
So, the correct answer is Choice C, after analysing all choices.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This response indicates that the client understands that sudden jaw pain can be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.
A. "I will take four nitroglycerin sublingual tablets if I have chest pain." This is an incorrect statement because taking four nitroglycerin sublingual tablets can lead to hypotension and can be life-threatening.
B. "I will have hot, dry, and flushed skin if I am having a heart attack." This is an incorrect statement because hot, dry, and flushed skin is not a typical sign of a heart attack.
C. "I will wait 30 minutes before taking action if I have heartburn." This is an incorrect statement because heartburn is not a symptom of angina and waiting 30 minutes to take action can lead to further complications.
Explanation: The client with angina should be educated about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and when to seek medical attention. Jaw pain is one of the signs of a heart attack, and the client should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Inform the client to seek medical attention following administration of the injection.
Choice A reason: Reviewing the signs of anaphylaxis with the client is important, but it’s not the priority. The client must first know what to do in case of an emergency.
Choice B reason: Instructing the client to store the injector at room temperature is a part of the storage instructions, but it’s not the immediate action to take during an anaphylactic reaction.
Choice C reason: This is the priority because anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition and even after administering epinephrine, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: Having the client perform a return demonstration of the equipment is a good teaching method, but it’s not the immediate action to take when an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
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