What nursing intervention should be implemented for a patient with a fractured extremity before applying a cast?
Elevate the extremity to reduce swelling.
Apply ice packs to the fracture site.
Administer analgesics to manage pain.
Obtain baseline neurovascular assessment.
The Correct Answer is D
Before applying a cast, the nurse should obtain a baseline neurovascular assessment of the extremity to establish normal function. This assessment will serve as a reference for comparison throughout the cast's application and during the healing process.
a. Elevating the extremity to reduce swelling is a valuable intervention but is not directly related to applying a cast. It can be performed later as part of post-cast application care.
b. Applying ice packs to the fracture site can help reduce swelling and pain but is not a step in preparing for the cast application.
c. Administering analgesics to manage pain is important, but obtaining a baseline neurovascular assessment is the priority before applying a cast.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Patients with external fixation require close monitoring of the pin sites for signs of infection, as they are at risk of developing pin site infections.
a. Providing passive range of motion exercises: Passive range of motion exercises may be appropriate in some cases, but they are not specific to external fixation management.
b. Changing the dressing daily: Dressing changes for external fixation are typically done as instructed by the healthcare provider, which may not necessarily be daily.
c. Loosening the fixation screws every 4 hours: Fixation screws should not be loosened without proper medical guidance, as this can compromise the stability of the external fixation device.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Colles' fracture is a type of distal radius fracture that results in angulation and swelling of the distal forearm near the wrist joint.
a. Pain and swelling of the ankle: Pain and swelling of the ankle are not related to a Colles' fracture, which occurs in the distal forearm, not the ankle.
b. Deformity and shortening of the affected limb: Deformity and shortening of the limb may occur in some fractures but are not specific to a Colles' fracture.
c. Loss of sensation and motor function distal to the fracture: Loss of sensation and motor function may occur in nerve injuries associated with fractures, but it is not a characteristic of Colles' fracture.
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