A client who has a lower-leg cast reports skin irritation around the upper edge of the cast. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Suggest that the client use a blunt object such as a comb to relieve the itch.
Petal the edges of the cast.
Tell the client to apply lotion to the irritated skin.
Bivalve the cast.
The Correct Answer is B
If a client reports skin irritation around the upper edge of a lower-leg cast, the nurse should petal the edges of the cast. This involves applying adhesive strips or moleskin around the edges of the cast to smooth them out and prevent them from rubbing against the skin.
a. Suggesting that the client use a blunt object such as a comb to relieve the itch is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin.
c. Telling the client to apply lotion to the irritated skin is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin and may also damage the cast.
d. Bivalving the cast is not necessary for skin irritation around the upper edge of the cast. Bivalving involves cutting the cast in half to relieve pressure and is typically only done in cases of severe swelling or compartment syndrome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
If a nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and suspects that the client has autonomic dysreflexia, the first action the nurse should take is to raise the head of the bed. This can help to lower the client's blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke.
b. Checking the client for a fecal impaction is an important step in identifying and treating the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
c. Checking the client's bladder for distention is an important step in identifying and treating the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
d. Ensuring that the room temperature is warm is not a priority intervention for a client who has autonomic dysreflexia.
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.
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