A client who is at full-term gestation is in active labor and complains of a cramp in her leg.
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Massage the calf and foot.
Extend the leg and flex the foot.
Check the pedal pulse in the affected leg.
Elevate the leg above the heart.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Extend the leg and flex the foot.
Choice A rationale:
Massaging the calf and foot is not recommended as it could potentially dislodge a blood clot if one is present, which can be dangerous.
Choice B rationale:
Extending the leg and flexing the foot helps to relieve the cramp by stretching the muscles involved. This is a safe and effective method to alleviate muscle cramps.
Choice C rationale:
Checking the pedal pulse in the affected leg is important for assessing circulation but does not directly address the immediate discomfort of the cramp.
Choice D rationale:
Elevating the leg above the heart is generally used to reduce swelling and improve circulation but is not specifically effective for relieving muscle cramps.
: 3
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A thready pulse is a weak and rapid pulse that is easily obliterated by light pressure. It indicates poor blood flow and perfusion and may be caused by conditions such as shock, dehydration, or hemorrhage.
The other options are not correct because:
B. A missing pulse is a pulse that is absent or cannot be detected, even with firm pressure. It indicates a complete blockage of blood flow, and may be caused by conditions such as arterial occlusion, embolism, or trauma.
C. Light pressure applied to pulse is not a documentation of the pulse quality, but a description of the technique used to palpate the pulse.
D. Pulse skips beats is a documentation of an irregular pulse rhythm, not a pulse volume. It indicates that the heart beats are unevenly spaced, and may be caused by conditions such as arrhythmia, stress, or caffeine intake.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"I will be back in 30 minutes to help you get out of bed and walk around the room today.”.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that she must ambulate to avoid complications (Choice B) may be true, but it comes across as authoritarian and may further upset the client. It is essential to address the client's feelings of anger and approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging the client's anger about the pain of ambulation (Choice C) is a good start, but it is not enough. The nurse should follow up with a plan to assist and encourage the client to walk later, promoting collaboration in the healing process.
Choice D rationale:
Informing the client about specific instructions to ambulate (Choice D) is important, but the response lacks empathy and fails to address the client's feelings. The nurse needs to consider the client's mental disability and approach the situation with sensitivity.
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