A patient sustains a closed femur fracture of the right tibia and is placed in a long leg plaster cast, which is still damp. Which of the following methods should the nurse use to move the cast to prevent complications?
Use your palms to move the cast.
Do not move the cast until it is dry.
Have the patient reposition their own leg.
Use your fingertips to grasp the cast.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Use your palms to move the cast. Using the palms prevents indentations that can cause pressure points and potential injury to the patient.
B. Do not move the cast until it is dry. The cast may need to be moved for various reasons, and waiting until it is completely dry may not be practical or safe.
C. Have the patient reposition their own leg. The patient should not move the leg to prevent potential damage or misalignment.
D. Use your fingertips to grasp the cast. Using fingertips can create pressure points and indentations in the still-damp plaster, potentially causing skin breakdown or pressure sores.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Apply warm compresses to the fractured leg: Warm compresses are not typically recommended immediately after surgery due to the risk of increasing inflammation and swelling.
B. Encourage the patient to bear weight on the affected leg: Weight bearing should be done according to the physician's orders. Early weight bearing can cause complications if not appropriately timed.
C. Monitor the surgical incision for signs of infection: This is a critical nursing intervention to prevent and detect postoperative infections early.
D. Assist the patient with ambulation using crutches or a walker: Assisting with ambulation using crutches or a walker is important for safety and promoting mobility, but it should be done following weight-bearing restrictions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Provide relief from pain and discomfort for the client: Pain relief is important but not the highest priority for functional healing.
B. Maintain immobilization and alignment for the client: This is the highest priority because proper immobilization and alignment are crucial for bone healing and preventing complications.
C. Promote independence in activities of daily living for the client: Promoting independence is important but secondary to ensuring proper healing through immobilization and alignment.
D. Provide optimal nutrition and hydration for the client: Nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health and healing but are not as immediate in priority as maintaining immobilization and alignment for proper bone healing.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
