A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has an ankle sprain. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Apply the elastic compression dressing tight enough so the toes and ankle become numb.
Place moderate weight on the affected leg when walking.
Elevate the affected ankle to the level of the heart.
Apply heat during the first 24 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the affected ankle to the level of the heart. Elevation helps to reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and decreasing blood flow to the injured area. This is an important part of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for treating sprains and strains.
a. The elastic compression dressing should not be applied so tight that it causes numbness in the toes and ankle.
b. The client should avoid placing weight on the affected leg when walking until advised by a healthcare provider.
d. Heat should not be applied during the first 24 hours after a sprain as it can increase swelling and inflammation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should report sudden sleepiness to the provider immediately if the client has a traumatic head injury. Sudden sleepiness can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can be a life-threatening complication of a head injury.
Headache, diplopia, and slight ataxia are also important findings that the nurse should report to the provider. However, these findings are not as urgent as sudden sleepiness. Headache can be a common symptom following a head injury. Diplopia is double vision and can indicate cranial nerve damage. Slight ataxia is unsteadiness or lack of coordination and can indicate neurological damage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should call emergency medical services if they find a woman who has collapsed with right-sided weakness and slurred speech. These symptoms could indicate a stroke or other serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Finding a location for the client to sit, driving the client to the nearest emergency room, and obtaining the number of the client's provider are not appropriate initial actions for the nurse to take in this situation. The priority is to get the client immediate medical attention by calling emergency medical services.
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