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 A
Explanation
A. The most appropriate first action would be to increase the oxygen flowrate to improve the patient's oxygen saturation levels. This intervention directly addresses the hypoxemia and can help prevent further complications related to low oxygen levels in the blood.
B. Elevating the patient's head can help improve ventilation and oxygenation. By raising the head, the patient's airway may become more patent, allowing for better airflow and oxygen exchange in the lungs. However, this should follow oxygenation.
C. Suctioning the patient's mouth aims to remove any secretions or obstructions that may be compromising the airway and contributing to the low oxygen saturation. However, this should follow oxygenation.
D. This maneuver can be helpful if the airway is obstructed by the tongue or soft tissues, potentially improving ventilation and oxygenation. However, this should follow oxygenation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Phalen's sign is a test for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is positive when the client experiences numbness, tingling, or pain in the median nerve distribution (especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger) within 1 minute of wrist flexion.
A. Cool extremities are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. They may indicate issues related to circulation rather than compression of the median nerve.
C. Trousseau's sign is a test for latent tetany, which is associated with hypocalcemia. It involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm and observing for carpal spasm. It is not a manifestation of carpal tunnel syndrome.
D. A decreased radial pulse may indicate vascular issues or compression of the radial artery, not carpal tunnel syndrome.
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