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 B
Explanation
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture that commonly occurs in children due to their bones being more pliable and flexible than adult bones. In a greenstick fracture, one side of the bone bends and partially breaks, while the other side remains intact.
a. Spiral fracture: A spiral fracture occurs when the bone is twisted, causing a spiral-shaped fracture line. It often results from a twisting force applied to the bone and can occur in both children and adults.
c. Transverse fracture: A transverse fracture is a type of fracture where the fracture line is perpendicular to the long axis of the bone and can occur in both children and adults.
d. Oblique fracture: An oblique fracture is a type of fracture where the fracture line is diagonal to the long axis of the bone and can occur in both children and adults.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
It is essential for the patient to avoid moving the cast to relieve itching as this can lead to skin breakdown, discomfort, and improper healing. The nurse should instruct the patient to use cool air or apply ice packs on the outside of the cast to alleviate itching without disturbing the cast's positioning.
b. Using a hairdryer on a warm setting to dry the inside of the cast is not recommended. The heat can cause discomfort and may not effectively dry the interior of the cast, leading to skin irritation and potential infection.
c. Sticking objects under the cast to scratch the skin can damage the skin and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. The patient should be instructed not to insert any objects under the cast.
d. Removing the cast if it becomes loose is not within the patient's scope of practice. If the cast becomes loose or uncomfortable, the patient should seek immediate medical attention for evaluation and adjustment by a healthcare professional.
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