A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a fracture of the right tibia and a fiberglass cast. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.
Avoid moving the affected leg.
Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast.
Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reporting any worsening or unrelieved pain is important because increasing or unrelieved pain could indicate complications such as inadequate immobilization, pressure sores, or compartment syndrome. Prompt reporting allows for timely intervention and prevention of further complications
B. Movement of the affected leg could disrupt the alignment of the bones and impede the healing process. Immobilization is essential for bone healing in a fiberglass cast. However, reporting features of compartment syndrome is priority.
C. Patients should be advised not to insert anything under the cast and instead use other methods such as blowing cool air under the cast or gently tapping on the outside of the cast to relieve itching.
D. Using a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting can help speed up the drying process of the cast after it gets wet. However, it's important to ensure that the heat is not too high to avoid causing burns or softening the cast material excessively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. This test is known as Phalen's maneuver. It involves holding the wrist in flexion for 60 seconds or more to compress the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Reproduction of symptoms, such as numbness and tingling, during this maneuver is considered a positive sign for carpal tunnel syndrome.
A. Flexing the arm at the elbow doesn't directly assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. This movement primarily involves the elbow joint and the muscles of the upper arm.
C. Extending the arm upward doesn't directly assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. This movement primarily involves the shoulder joint and muscles of the upper arm.
D. Holding the arm straight doesn't directly assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. This movement primarily involves the elbow joint and muscles of the upper arm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Excessive sanguineous fluid in the drain could indicate active bleeding or a hematoma formation, which are significant concerns after surgery. It should be reported to allow for appropriate intervention to prevent shock
A. A slight elevation in temperature can be expected in the immediate postoperative period due to the body's response to surgery (surgical stress response).
B. Fine crackles indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs, which could suggest complications such as pulmonary edema or atelectasis. While this finding warrants monitoring and intervention, it may not be the most critical issue to report to the surgeon in this context.
D. Redness and swelling along the suture line can indicate inflammation or infection at the surgical site. This is a normal response of the tissues to trauma such as surgery.
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