A nurse is discharging a client who came to the outpatient clinic with an ankle sprain. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the discharge instructions?
“I’ll apply ice to my ankle for 20 minutes every hour.”
“I’ll rewrap my ankle starting from the knee down.”
“I’ll walk on my ankle for 10 minutes every hour.”
“I’ll put a heating pad on my ankle at bedtime tonight.”
The Correct Answer is A
A. "I’ll apply ice to my ankle for 20 minutes every hour."
This is the correct choice. Applying ice for a specified duration (20 minutes) every hour is a standard recommendation for managing swelling and pain associated with an ankle sprain. It helps reduce inflammation and provides relief.
B. "I’ll rewrap my ankle starting from the knee down."
This statement indicates a misunderstanding. When rewrapping an ankle, it should be done from the bottom (proximal) to the top (distal) to provide proper compression. Starting from the knee down is not the correct technique.
C. "I’ll walk on my ankle for 10 minutes every hour."
This statement may indicate a misunderstanding or potential for harm. Immediate weight-bearing or walking on an injured ankle, especially after a sprain, is generally not recommended. Rest is often a key component of initial management.
D. "I’ll put a heating pad on my ankle at bedtime tonight."
This statement may indicate a misunderstanding. Heat is not typically recommended in the initial stages of treating an acute injury like an ankle sprain, as it may increase inflammation. Ice (cold therapy) is usually the preferred modality early on to reduce swelling and pain.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Reduction of the fracture:
Buck's traction is not primarily intended for the reduction (realignment) of the fractured bones. While it may help maintain proper alignment, the primary goal is to provide temporary immobilization and relieve muscle spasms until more definitive treatment, such as surgery, can be performed.
B. Relief from muscle spasms:
This is the correct answer. Buck's traction is commonly used to alleviate muscle spasms associated with hip fractures. The traction force helps to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and maintain the alignment of the fractured bones.
C. Alignment of the pins:
Buck's traction does not involve the insertion of pins into the bone. It uses a boot attached to the leg, and the traction force is applied externally to the limb to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
D. Support for moving the extremity:
Buck's traction is not intended to support active movement of the extremity. Instead, it provides temporary immobilization to prevent further injury and facilitate the healing process before more definitive interventions, such as surgery, are undertaken.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Set the pad’s temperature to 42.2° C (108 F).
The specific temperature setting for a heat application should be based on the healthcare provider's prescription and the therapeutic goals. The temperature should be within a safe and therapeutic range.
B. Stop the treatment if the client’s skin becomes red.
This is the correct choice. Redness on the skin during heat application may indicate potential skin irritation or the onset of a burn. Stopping the treatment if redness occurs is crucial to prevent further injury.
C. Leave the pad in place for at least 40 min.
The duration of heat application should also be based on the healthcare provider's prescription and therapeutic goals. Leaving the pad in place for a specific duration is important, but the exact time would depend on the therapeutic plan.
D. Use safety pins to keep the pad in place.
Safety pins should not be used to secure heat applications, as they can pose a risk of injury. Instead, healthcare professionals should use the appropriate securing devices provided with the heat application or follow facility protocols.
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