A nurse is planning care for a client who has had a recent cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to decrease the client's risk for footdrop?
Apply a sequential compression device.
Use padded splints.
Elevate the extremity above the heart.
Reposition the client every 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Apply a sequential compression device: A sequential compression device (SCD) is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), not foot drop. It does not provide the necessary support for preventing foot drop, which results from muscle weakness or paralysis after a CVA.
B. Use padded splints: Padded splints help maintain the foot in a neutral position, which is essential in preventing foot drop. Foot drop occurs due to weakness of the dorsiflexor muscles, and splints can prevent the foot from falling into an abnormal position, reducing the risk of deformities.
C. Elevate the extremity above the heart: Elevating the extremity above the heart is typically done to reduce edema, not to prevent foot drop. While elevating the limb can help with swelling, it does not address the muscle weakness that causes foot drop in post-CVA patients.
D. Reposition the client every 2 hr: Repositioning the client every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and promoting circulation. However, it is does not prevent foot drop, which requires targeted interventions such as splints or exercises to maintain proper foot positioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Blood glucose level: The blood glucose level of 103 mg/dL is within normal limits (74 to 106 mg/dL) and does not require immediate follow-up. While the client has type 2 diabetes mellitus, the blood glucose is not abnormal at this time.
B. Bowel sounds: Bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants and do not require immediate follow-up. This finding is normal and is unrelated to the acute symptoms being assessed for a possible myocardial infarction.
C. Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is elevated at 164/80 mm Hg, which requires immediate attention in the context of chest pain and other symptoms that may suggest an acute myocardial infarction (MI).
D. Pain level: The client rates their chest pain as 7 out of 10, which is significant and consistent with potential myocardial ischemia or infarction. The pain’s radiation to the left arm, along with other symptoms like nausea and diaphoresis, suggest an urgent need for intervention.
E. Electrocardiogram findings: The 12-lead ECG shows tachycardia, ST segment elevation, and T wave changes, which are indicative of acute myocardial injury, such as an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This requires immediate intervention to prevent further myocardial damage.
F. Lung sounds: The lung sounds are clear in all lobes, which is reassuring and does not indicate an immediate concern.
G. Troponin T level: The elevated Troponin T level (0.40 ng/mL) is a key biomarker for myocardial injury. The elevation indicates ongoing cardiac damage, which requires immediate follow-up to assess for the extent of the infarction and initiate treatment.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Check the client's airway and level of consciousness: The first priority is to assess the client's airway and level of consciousness to ensure that they are breathing properly and to gauge the severity of the condition.
B. Assess vital signs to determine hydration status: After assessing the airway and consciousness, it’s crucial to evaluate vital signs to determine the client's hydration status, as dehydration is a significant concern in diabetic ketoacidosis.
C. Administer prescribed IV fluids: IV fluids should be administered promptly to treat dehydration, restore electrolyte balance, and help improve circulation. This is typically the next step after assessing vital signs and hydration status.
D. Monitor for pulmonary edema: Once the IV fluids are being administered, the nurse should monitor for potential complications, such as pulmonary edema, which can occur due to fluid overload or other factors related to treatment.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.