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)
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. Tissue plasminogen activators (tPAs) are not used for this condition, as they are primarily designed to dissolve blood clots, not to address fibrotic changes in the lungs.
Choice B reason: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs, particularly the lungs and lymph glands. It involves the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas. Tissue plasminogen activators are not used in the treatment of sarcoidosis since the condition is not related to blood clots but rather to immune system dysregulation.
Choice C reason: Atelectasis is the complete or partial collapse of a lung or lobe of a lung due to alveoli deflation. The treatment typically focuses on re-expanding the lung tissue through techniques such as deep breathing exercises, bronchoscopy, or mechanical ventilation. Tissue plasminogen activators are not relevant for this condition, as they are used to dissolve blood clots, not to treat lung collapse.
Choice D reason: Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). Tissue plasminogen activators are used to treat PE because they can effectively dissolve the blood clots obstructing the pulmonary arteries, thereby restoring normal blood flow and preventing further complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Urine output of 30 mL/hr is concerning as it is on the lower end of normal and can indicate dehydration or impaired renal function. However, in this context, it is less immediately alarming compared to severely low blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 90/40 is critically low and indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of severe dehydration or shock, especially in a patient with ongoing nausea and vomiting. This requires immediate attention and intervention to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: An infiltrated IV site is a problem that needs to be addressed to ensure proper administration of fluids and medications. However, it is not as immediately life-threatening as hypotension.
Choice D reason: Oral fluid intake of 100 mL for 8 hours is inadequate, suggesting that the patient may be dehydrated. While concerning, it is not as acutely critical as low blood pressure, which directly affects perfusion and organ function.
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