The nurse is caring for a child with a unilateral long-leg cast applied for the correction of clubfoot. Which action is most important for the nurse to perform?
Compare the temperature of both legs.
Monitor capillary refill of the toes.
Examine for spontaneous movement.
Palpate femoral pulses.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Comparing the temperature of both legs can help identify potential circulatory issues or infections. However, temperature differences are not the most immediate concern when assessing a child with a long-leg cast. Monitoring neurovascular status, including circulation and nerve function, is more critical to ensure there are no complications such as compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring capillary refill of the toes is crucial for assessing the circulatory status of the affected limb. Capillary refill time indicates how well blood is perfusing to the extremities. A delayed capillary refill time can suggest compromised circulation, which could lead to serious complications like tissue ischemia. This assessment helps ensure that the cast is not too tight and that there is adequate blood flow to the toes.
Choice C rationale
Examining for spontaneous movement is important for assessing motor function and ensuring that there is no nerve damage. However, it is not as immediate a concern as circulatory assessment. Spontaneous movement can indicate intact motor function, but circulatory compromise would need to be addressed urgently to prevent tissue damage.
Choice D rationale
Palpating femoral pulses is important for assessing the overall circulation to the lower extremities. However, in the context of a long-leg cast, it is more relevant to directly assess the area distal to the cast (such as the toes) for adequate perfusion. Checking femoral pulses alone does not provide specific information about potential compartment syndrome or tightness of the cast affecting distal circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The child’s symptoms suggest epiglottitis, a medical emergency requiring readiness for intubation or tracheotomy to secure the airway. Immediate preparation for these procedures is crucial to prevent airway obstruction and respiratory arrest.
Choice B rationale
Although imaging can provide diagnostic information, it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to secure the airway to prevent acute respiratory failure, making this choice less appropriate.
Choice C rationale
Nebulizer treatments can help with lower airway obstructions but are ineffective for upper airway conditions like epiglottitis. The child’s symptoms indicate upper airway obstruction, making this choice less appropriate.
Choice D rationale
While antibiotics are essential for treating infections causing epiglottitis, the immediate priority is to ensure the airway is not compromised. Securing the airway takes precedence over initiating antibiotic therapy in this acute situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is the first action as it helps to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord by using gravity to shift the fetus away from the pelvis. This position helps to prevent cord compression and maintain blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the operating room team is important but should be done after immediately addressing the umbilical cord prolapse to prevent fetal hypoxia. Initial physical intervention takes priority.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is beneficial for the mother and fetus but is not the immediate first action. Positioning the client to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord is more urgent.
Choice D rationale
Administering a fluid bolus of 500 mL can help maintain maternal blood pressure, but it is not the first action. The priority is to reposition the client to prevent cord compression.
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