While collecting data from a client who has a cast on his right leg, a nurse locates an area on the cast that feels warm to the touch. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a complication to the client's condition?
Uneven cast drying
Infection
Pressure from the cast
Poor circulation
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should identify infection as a complication to the client's condition. A warm area on the cast could indicate the presence of an underlying infection. The warmth could be due to an increase in blood flow to the area as the body tries to fight off the infection.
Uneven cast drying, pressure from the cast, and poor circulation are not complications that would cause a warm area on the cast. Uneven cast drying could cause discomfort but would not result in warmth. Pressure from the cast could cause skin breakdown but would not result in warmth. Poor circulation could cause coolness or pallor but would not result in warmth.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
To prevent autonomic dysreflexia, the nurse should take the intervention of preventing bladder distention. Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious medical problem that can happen if a person has injured the spinal cord in their upper back¹. It makes their blood pressure dangerously high and can lead to a stroke, seizure, or cardiac arrest¹. One way to lower the chance of complications is to use the bathroom on a regular schedule and keep the bladder and bowels from becoming too full.
a. Monitoring for elevated blood pressure is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
b. Providing analgesia for headaches is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
d. Elevating the client's head is important but not an intervention to prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should immediately report small drops of clear fluid in the left ear to the charge nurse. This finding could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur as a result of a head injury. A CSF leak can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
An edematous bruise on the forehead, client disorientation to place, and a heart rate of 110/min and regular are also important findings that the nurse should report to the charge nurse. However, these findings are not as urgent as the presence of small drops of clear fluid in the left ear.
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