A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who is going home with a cast on his leg. What teaching point would be appropriate for the nurse to emphasize in the teaching session?
Report any pain that is uncontrolled by elevating the affected limb or by analgesic agents
May use intermittent heat packs as prescribed to control swelling
A small hair brush may be used to control any itching under the cast
Keep the affected extremity below the level of the heart to prevent swelling
Inspect the cast daily for cracks, breaks, or signs of infection
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Reporting any pain that is uncontrolled by elevating the affected limb or by analgesic agents is an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may indicate a serious complication such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. The nurse should instruct the client to notify the health care provider immediately if the pain persists or worsens.
Choice B reason: Using intermittent heat packs as prescribed to control swelling is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may increase the blood flow and inflammation in the affected area. The nurse should advise the client to avoid heat sources such as heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets, as they may also damage the cast or cause burns.
Choice C reason: Using a small hair brush to control any itching under the cast is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may cause skin irritation, infection, or damage to the cast. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cool air dryer, a gentle tapping, or an antihistamine to relieve the itching, and to avoid inserting any objects under the cast.
Choice D reason: Keeping the affected extremity below the level of the heart to prevent swelling is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may impair the venous return and increase the edema. The nurse should recommend the client to elevate the affected extremity above the level of the heart to reduce the swelling and promote the healing.
Choice E reason: Inspecting the cast daily for cracks, breaks, or signs of infection is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it is not a specific or relevant instruction for the client with a cast on his leg. The nurse should teach the client to keep the cast dry and clean, to cover it with a plastic bag when showering or bathing, and to report any foul odor, drainage, or fever.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Excess growth of bone formation does not cause the bones to weaken, but rather the opposite. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to lose density and become brittle due to the imbalance between bone resorption and formation. The bone resorption exceeds the bone formation, leading to low bone mass and increased fracture risk.
Choice B reason: Men are not less likely than women to have secondary causes of osteoporosis, but rather more likely. Secondary osteoporosis is a type of osteoporosis that is caused by other diseases or medications that affect the bone metabolism. Men are more likely to have secondary osteoporosis due to conditions such as hypogonadism, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or chronic kidney disease, or medications such as glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, or anticoagulants.
Choice C reason: A modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis is a person's level of activity, as it affects the bone health and strength. Physical activity, especially weight-bearing and resistance exercises, can stimulate the bone formation and prevent the bone loss. It can also improve the muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Choice D reason: Osteoporosis is not categorized as a disease for the elderly, but rather a disease that can affect people of any age. Osteoporosis is more common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women, due to the hormonal changes and the natural decline of bone mass with aging. However, osteoporosis can also occur in younger people due to genetic factors, lifestyle factors, or secondary causes.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the most accurate statement related to osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect and indicates the need for further education. Failure to rescue is not the ability of the nurse to save a client's life, but the inability or failure to do so. It is defined as the death of a hospitalized client who experienced a potentially preventable complication.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue includes the failure of the nurse to report changes in a client's condition to the provider, which could delay the diagnosis and treatment of the complication.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue is the failure to recognize a client's condition is deteriorating, which could lead to missed opportunities for intervention and prevention of adverse outcomes.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue involves the lack of managing complications, which could result in increased morbidity and mortality.
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