An 80-year-old man falls and suffers a compound fracture of the femur. Which immediate action is most appropriate?
Carefully splint the leg as it is
Apply a tourniquet on the leg
Position him flat on his back
Carefully straighten the leg
The Correct Answer is A
A. In the case of a compound (open) fracture, the priority is to immobilize the limb in the position found to prevent further injury, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissues. The leg should be carefully splinted as it is without attempting to realign it.
B. A tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening bleeding and can cause significant tissue damage if used inappropriately.
C. Lying flat may not be appropriate depending on the injury and pain; priority is stabilizing the fracture.
D. Straightening the leg can worsen the injury and should never be done in the field or before imaging and medical evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["37.3"]
Explanation
Order:Zithromax 500 mg p.o. daily
Child’s Weight:82 pounds
Question:What is the child’s weight in kilograms?
Use the conversion formula:
Weight (kg) = Weight (lb) ÷ 2.2
Weight = 82 ÷ 2.2 = 37.27 kg
Rounded to the nearest tenth: 37.3 kg
Final Answer:37.3 kg
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Fingers being pink and cool bilaterally may be expected postoperatively due to anesthesia or positioning and does not indicate an immediate complication.
B. A capillary refill time of 8 seconds is significantly prolonged (normal is ≤2 seconds) and may indicate compromised circulation, possibly due to compartment syndrome or vascular compromise. This requires immediate action to preserve limb function.
C. A pain level of 5/10 is moderate and may be expected after surgery. It does not indicate an urgent issue unless unrelieved by medication or out of proportion to the procedure.
D. Swollen and warm fingers may be part of the normal inflammatory process after surgery but are not immediately life- or limb-threatening.
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