A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a Plaster of Paris walking cast on his left lower leg. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

There is no need to cover the cast when showering.

Apply ice to your foot after walking.

A musty odor is normal as the cast ages.

Report any numbness or pain in your toes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:
It is important to keep a Plaster of Paris cast dry because moisture can weaken the cast and irritate the skin underneath. Therefore, the cast should be covered while showering to prevent it from getting wet.

Choice B reason:
Applying ice to the foot after walking can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It is a common recommendation for managing discomfort associated with a walking cast. The ice should be applied over the cast at the level of the injury for 15-30 minutes, repeating every few hours for the first few days.

Choice C reason:
While a musty odor can develop over time due to sweat and lack of air circulation, it is not necessarily normal and could indicate a problem such as an infection. If there is a persistent unpleasant odor, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Choice D reason:
Numbness or pain in the toes can be a sign of compromised circulation or nerve compression and should be reported immediately. It is crucial to monitor for any changes in sensation or increased pain, as these could indicate a serious issue that requires medical attention.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Difficulty with abduction of the arm at the shoulder is a common finding in clients with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate its movement. When these muscles or tendons are injured, movements such as lifting the arm away from the body (abduction) can become painful and difficult.

Choice B reason:
Alteration in the contour of the joint is not typically associated with a rotator cuff injury. This finding is more indicative of conditions that cause changes in the bone structure, such as arthritis or dislocation.

Choice C reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, particularly in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not a test used to assess rotator cuff injuries.

Choice D reason:
A negative drop arm test would suggest that the client does not have a rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by having the client lift the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the client can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the client cannot control the descent of the arm, would indicate a rotator cuff injury.

A. WBC 5,000/mm³ B. Platelets 150,000/mm³ C. Positive Western blot test D. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm³

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
While the white blood cell (WBC) count is important in assessing the immune system's ability to fight infection, a WBC of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range (4,500 to 11,000 WBCs/mm³). Therefore, it is not the most critical value for a nurse to prioritize in the care of an HIV patient.

Choice B reason:
A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is also within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm³). Although thrombocytopenia can occur in HIV, this value does not indicate an immediate concern for the nurse to prioritize.

Choice C reason:
A positive Western blot test confirms the presence of HIV antibodies, which is indicative of HIV infection. However, this is a diagnostic result rather than a laboratory value that reflects the current status of the patient's immune function or disease progression.

Choice D reason:
The CD4-T-cell count is a critical laboratory value for assessing the immune function of a patient with HIV. A count of 180 cells/mm³ is below the normal range of 500 to 1,200 cells/mm³ and indicates a significantly weakened immune system, placing the patient at risk for opportunistic infections. This value is a priority as it guides treatment decisions and the need for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections.

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A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a Plaster of Paris walking cast on his left lower leg. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has a rotator cuff injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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