A nurse is planning care for a client who has a radial fracture and a newly placed short arm cast on the left arm. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

The client requires assistance with getting dressed.

The client reports numbness of the fingers of the left hand.

The client reports itching of the left arm.

The client has a pillow under their left arm.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: While requiring assistance with getting dressed is an important consideration in care planning, it is not the most immediate priority. The nurse should ensure that the client's basic needs are met, but this does not represent an acute medical concern.

Choice B reason: The client reporting numbness of the fingers of the left hand is the most urgent priority. Numbness can indicate neurovascular compromise or increased pressure within the cast, which could lead to further injury or complications such as compartment syndrome. Immediate assessment and intervention are required to prevent permanent damage.

Choice C reason: Itching of the left arm under the cast is a common complaint and can be uncomfortable for the client. However, it is not a priority over potential neurovascular compromise. The nurse can provide education on how to safely alleviate itching without compromising the integrity of the cast.

Choice D reason: Having a pillow under the left arm is part of proper positioning to reduce swelling and provide comfort. While it is a part of good nursing care, it is not a priority over signs of neurovascular compromise.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : A blood pressure of 138/76 mm Hg is within the higher range of normal and is not typically considered an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is used to lower blood pressure.

Choice B reason : A temperature of 36.3°C (97.3°F) is within the normal range and is not an adverse effect of metoprolol.

Choice C reason : A heart rate of 48/min is considered bradycardia and can be an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is a beta-blocker that can slow down the heart rate.

Choice D reason : A respiratory rate of 10/min is on the lower end of the normal range but is not a typical adverse effect of metoprolol. However, if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress, it should be addressed.

A. Tap the client's facial nerve and note any facial twitching. B. Strike the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and note any increase in response. C. Gently elevate the client's head and note any nuchal rigidity. D. Run a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and note any flaring of the toes.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.

Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.

Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.

Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is planning care for a client who has a radial fracture and a newly placed short arm cast on the left arm. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in the emergency department is evaluating a young adult client for bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the focused assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A hospice nurse is planning care for a client who has lung cancer. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to incorporate the client's and family's cultural beliefs?

The nurse is instructing the client on the correct way to take nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain:

A charge nurse on a neurological unit is making room assignments for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to the room closest to the nurses' station?

A nurse is teaching a client who has Graves' disease about recognizing the manifestations of thyroid storm. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client on how to care for a newly created ileal conduit. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is evaluating an older adult client who expresses concern about the aging process. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates a need for follow-up?

A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following the insertion of an arteriovenous graft in their left forearm. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube. The client asks why the fluid in the water-seal chamber rises and falls. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?