A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is notified that a mass casualty event has occurred in the community.

Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take

The correct answer is choice B. Applying an orthotic to the client’s foot.

An orthotic is a device that supports or corrects the function of a body part.

In this case, an orthotic can help prevent foot drop, which is a common contracture deformity in immobile patients.

Foot drop occurs when the muscles that lift the foot become weak or paralyzed, causing the foot to hang down at the ankle. An orthotic can keep the foot in a neutral position and prevent shortening of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Choice A is wrong because a trochanter wedge is used to prevent external rotation of the hip, not contracture. A trochanter wedge is a triangular-shaped pillow that is placed between the legs to keep them parallel and aligned.

Choice C is wrong because a towel roll under the neck is used to maintain proper cervical alignment, not contracture. A towel roll can prevent hyperextension of the neck and support the natural curve of the spine.

Choice D is wrong because a pillow under the knees can actually cause contracture of the knee joint by keeping it in a flexed position. A pillow under the knees can also reduce blood flow to the lower extremities and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Contracture is a permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and surrounding tissues that causes the joints to shorten and stiffen.

Contracture can limit the range of motion and function of the affected body part. Contracture can be caused by inactivity, scarring, or diseases that affect the muscles or nerves. Prevention of contractures requires early diagnosis and initiation of physical medicine approaches such as passive range of motion exercises and splinting before contractures are present or while contractures are mild.

Choice A reason:

"This test will be repeated when your baby is 2 months old. “This is a false statement. Newborn genetic screening is usually performed shortly after birth. The test is not typically repeated when the baby is 2 months old, as it is meant to detect conditions early on, allowing for prompt intervention and management if necessary.

Choice B reason:

"Your baby will be given 2 ounces of water to drink prior to the test."This is a false statement. The baby does not need to drink water before the newborn genetic screening test. The test is usually performed by collecting a small blood sample from the baby's heel, and there is no need for the baby to drink water beforehand.

Choice C reason:

"This test should be performed after your baby is 24 hours old. “This is the appropriate statement. The nurse should include the statement that newborn genetic screening should be performed after the baby is 24 hours old. Newborn genetic screening, also known as newborn screening or heel prick test, is a standard test performed on newborns to detect certain genetic, metabolic, and congenital disorders early on. The test is typically done by pricking the baby's heel to collect a small sample of blood, which is then analysed in a laboratory.

Choice D reason:

"A nurse will draw blood from your baby's inner elbow. “This is a false statement. The correct location for collecting the blood sample for newborn genetic screening is the baby's heel. The nurse will prick the baby's heel to obtain a few drops of blood, which will then be collected on a special filter paper for laboratory analysis.