A patient sustains a closed fracture of the right tibia and is placed in a long-leg plaster cast, which is still damp. Which of the following methods does the nurse use to move the cast when repositioning it to prevent complications?
Asks patient to self-position leg
Monitors dampness of cast and avoids moving it until it is dry
Uses palms to move the cast
Uses fingers to grasp cast
The Correct Answer is C
A. Asks patient to self-position leg: This is not advisable because the patient may not have the strength or capability to safely reposition the leg, especially if they are in pain or sedated.
B. Monitors dampness of cast and avoids moving it until it is dry: The cast may need to be moved before it is completely dry, for example, for patient comfort or to prevent pressure ulcers. Delaying repositioning may cause complications.
C. Uses palms to move the cast: This is the correct method. Using the palms prevents indentations in the cast that could create pressure points and lead to skin breakdown. Fingers can create pressure points that can dent the cast, compromising its integrity and potentially causing skin issues.
D. Uses fingers to grasp cast: Using fingertips can create indentations in the cast, which can lead to pressure sores or improper bone alignment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Hemorrhage: This is correct. Fractures, especially in large bones like the femur or pelvis, can cause significant bleeding, either internally or externally.
B. Elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine: This is not directly related to fractures. These values indicate kidney function and are not typical complications of fractures.
C. Infection: This is correct. Open fractures and surgical interventions for fractures can lead to infections, including osteomyelitis.
D. Fat embolism syndrome: This is correct. Fat embolism syndrome can occur when fat globules from bone marrow enter the bloodstream, typically after fractures of long bones or the pelvis, and cause serious complications.
E. Elevated serum potassium: This is not typically a direct complication of fractures. Elevated potassium can occur due to other factors, such as crush injuries or tissue necrosis, but is not a common concern with simple fractures.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Greenstick: This type of fracture typically occurs in children where the bone bends and cracks, rather than breaking completely. It is not related to bone tumors.
B. Stress: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone typically due to repetitive force or overuse, not due to underlying conditions like bone tumors.
C. Avulsion: This occurs when a fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament due to a forceful contraction or injury, and is not typically associated with bone tumors.
D. Pathological: Pathological fractures occur in bones weakened by disease, such as bone tumors. These fractures happen with minimal or no trauma because the bone integrity is compromised by the tumor.
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