What is the most important nursing care aspect for a client with a new long leg cast?
Check the circulation and movement of toes frequently
Place the casted leg in traction for 8 hours daily
Alternate heat and cold therapy on the cast
Put the patient on complete bed rest immediately
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Frequent neurovascular assessments—checking circulation, movement, and sensation in the toes—are essential to detect early signs of complications such as compartment syndrome, impaired perfusion, or nerve damage. This is the priority nursing action.
B. Traction is not routinely applied with a long leg cast unless specifically ordered for a separate condition.
C. Heat and cold therapy should not be applied directly to a cast due to risk of skin injury and inability to accurately assess temperature through the cast material.
D. Complete bed rest is not necessary for most clients with a leg cast and can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis and deconditioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Deep breathing and coughing exercises are important but ensuring catheter patency is more critical immediately post-prostatectomy to prevent urinary retention and bladder distention.
B. Strict bed rest is generally not required; early ambulation is encouraged to reduce complications.
C. Maintaining a patent indwelling catheter is essential after prostatectomy to prevent urinary obstruction, bladder distension, and potential damage to the surgical site.
D. Monitoring for infection is important but is a routine ongoing assessment rather than the immediate priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Pain radiating to the left shoulder and worsening with deep breathing (Kehr’s sign) is more indicative of splenic injury, not appendicitis.
B. Pain from appendicitis typically worsens with movement and does not improve with eating; improvement with food is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease.
C. Left lower quadrant pain is more consistent with diverticulitis, not appendicitis.
D. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point with rebound tenderness is a hallmark sign of acute appendicitis, making this the most indicative finding.
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