The nurse is evaluating a patient's understanding of cast care before discharge. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?
“I will keep my cast dry and avoid inserting objects inside to scratch my skin."
"If I notice increased swelling, numbness, or severe pain, I will elevate my leg and notify my provider immediately."
"It's okay to use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help dry my cast if it gets wet."
“I should expect to feel extreme pain under the cast that doesn't improve with pain medication."
The Correct Answer is D
A. “I will keep my cast dry and avoid inserting objects inside to scratch my skin.” Keeping the cast dry prevents it from softening or breaking down, which could lead to improper healing. Avoiding objects inside the cast prevents skin injuries and infections.
B. "If I notice increased swelling, numbness, or severe pain, I will elevate my leg and notify my provider immediately." Increased swelling, numbness, and severe pain can indicate compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Elevating the leg and seeking medical attention is appropriate.
C. "It's okay to use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help dry my cast if it gets wet." A blow dryer on a cool setting can be used to help dry moisture inside the cast without causing burns or affecting the cast material.
D. “I should expect to feel extreme pain under the cast that doesn't improve with pain medication.” Extreme pain that is unrelieved by medication is abnormal and may indicate complications like compartment syndrome, infection, or pressure ulcers under the cast. The patient needs further education that severe pain should be reported immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hematocrit 40%: A hematocrit level of 40% is within the normal range for adult females (36%-48%) and does not require intervention.
B. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L: Normal potassium levels range from 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, so a value of 3.8 mEq/L is within normal limits and does not pose a risk for surgery.
C. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL: Normal creatinine levels for adult females are 0.5-1.1 mg/dL. A level of 0.9 mg/dL indicates normal kidney function and does not require reporting.
D. WBC count 20,000/mm³: A WBC count of 20,000/mm³ is significantly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammatory response. This increases the risk of post-operative complications and should be reported to the surgeon immediately.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Handwashing is not necessary since impetigo is not contagious." Impetigo is highly contagious, and proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent its spread to others.
B. “I should apply Mupirocin (Bactroban) to the affected areas as prescribed." Mupirocin (Bactroban) is the standard topical antibiotic treatment for impetigo and should be applied as prescribed to reduce bacterial colonization and promote healing.
C. “I don't need to cover the lesions; they should be left open to the air." Covering the lesions can help prevent the spread of infection by minimizing contact with contaminated surfaces.
D. “I will let my child scratch the lesions to help them dry out faster." Scratching can worsen the infection, spread bacteria to other parts of the body, and lead to secondary infections.
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