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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Localized swelling and bruising are common signs of inflammation and injury at the fracture site. They may indicate the presence of a fracture, especially if the patient experienced trauma or a fall.
b. Warmth and redness at the site: Warmth and redness are signs of inflammation, but they are not specific to fractures and can occur in various musculoskeletal conditions.
c. Absence of pain with movement: Absence of pain with movement is not a typical finding in fractures. Fractures usually cause pain, especially with movement.
d. Increased range of motion at the joint: Increased range of motion may occur in some injuries, but it is not a reliable indicator of a fracture, especially if there is swelling and bruising present.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A transverse fracture occurs when the bone breaks straight across its long axis, perpendicular to the bone's length.
a. Greenstick fracture: A greenstick fracture involves the bone bending and partially breaking, usually seen in children. It does not break straight across the bone.
c. Oblique fracture: An oblique fracture involves a diagonal break, not straight across the bone's long axis.
d. Comminuted fracture: In a comminuted fracture, the bone breaks into multiple pieces, which is different from breaking straight across the bone.
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