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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A client who has chronic atrial fibrillation is at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke. An ischemic embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot that forms in one part of the body travels to the brain and blocks blood flow. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood to pool, thicken, and clot in the heart or arteries near it. Pieces of these clots can travel to the brain and cause an ischemic embolic stroke.
a. A client who has an arteriovenous malformation is not at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke.
b. A client who has thrombocytopenia is not at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke.
d. A client who has uncontrolled hypertension is at risk for a stroke but not specifically an ischemic embolic
stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Halo-vest traction immobilizes a patient’s head and neck after traumatic injury to the cervical vertebrae as well as helping to prevent further injury to the spinal cord². Elevating the head of the bed can help improve the patient's comfort and reduce the risk of complications such as aspiration.
a. Placing the client in a supine position is not necessarily required for a patient in halo traction. The position of the patient should be determined by their individual needs and comfort.
c. Applying a pelvic girdle is not necessary for a patient in halo traction. Halo-vest traction consists of a metal ring that fits over the patient’s head and metal bars that connect the ring to a plastic vest that distributes the weight of the entire apparatus around the chest².
d. Elevating the foot of the bed is not necessary for a patient in halo traction. The position of the bed
should be determined by the patient's individual needs and comfort.
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