A patient arrives in the emergency department with a swollen ankle after a soccer injury. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Ask the patient to try bearing weight on the ankle

Elevate the ankle above heart level

Apply a warm moist pack to the ankle

Assess the ankle's passive range of motion (ROM)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Asking the patient to try bearing weight on the injured ankle is not appropriate at this stage. Bearing weight can cause further injury or exacerbate the swelling and pain. The initial treatment should focus on reducing swelling and providing support.

Choice B reason: Elevating the ankle above heart level is appropriate because it helps to reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation in the affected area. Elevation is a standard first aid measure for managing acute injuries and swelling.

Choice C reason: Applying a warm moist pack to the ankle is not advisable immediately after an injury. In the acute phase, cold therapy (ice) is recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Warm therapy is more appropriate during the recovery phase, once swelling has subsided.

Choice D reason: Assessing the ankle's passive range of motion (ROM) may be necessary later, but not immediately upon arrival. The priority is to manage pain and swelling first. ROM assessments can be painful and might worsen the injury if conducted too soon.

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Correct Answer is D,A,B,C

Explanation

Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is the first intervention the nurse should perform. This position helps lower the patient's blood pressure by promoting venous pooling in the lower extremities and reducing the return of blood to the heart. It also aids in better breathing and overall comfort.

Choice A reason: Checking the blood pressure is crucial in this situation to confirm if the patient is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This step helps in assessing the severity of the condition and guiding subsequent interventions.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a bladder scan is important because a full bladder is a common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. By identifying and addressing the cause of the distension, the nurse can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Notifying the doctor is a critical step, as autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention. The healthcare provider can give additional orders and may administer medication to control the patient's blood pressure and relieve symptoms.

A. Hypotension, chills, thirst B. Lethargy, confusion, bradycardia C. Bradycardia, hypotension, low urine output D. Fever, tachycardia, tremors

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypotension, chills, and thirst are not characteristic signs and symptoms of a thyroid storm. Hypotension generally indicates low blood pressure, while chills and thirst are less specific symptoms that do not particularly point to thyroid storm.

Choice B reason: Lethargy, confusion, and bradycardia are not typical indicators of a thyroid storm. These symptoms might be present in other conditions but are not generally associated with the severe hypermetabolic state seen in thyroid storms.

Choice C reason: Bradycardia, hypotension, and low urine output are also not typical signs of a thyroid storm. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are more likely associated with severe hypothyroidism or other conditions, not the hyperactive state of a thyroid storm.

Choice D reason: Fever, tachycardia, and tremors are classic signs of a thyroid storm. A thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition characterized by an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, leading to hypermetabolic activity. This results in symptoms like a high fever, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and tremors.

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A patient arrives in the emergency department with a swollen ankle after a soccer injury. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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