A client with a compound fracture of the left ankle is being discharged with a below-the-knee cast. Which
instruction should the practical nurse (PN) provide to the client prior to discharge?
Apply a cold pack to any "hot spots" on the cast.
Keep the left leg in a dependent position.
Expect some increase in pain.
Never scratch under the cast.
The Correct Answer is D
When providing instructions to a client with a below-the-knee cast for a compound fracture of the left ankle, it is important to prioritize their safety and proper care of the cast. The instruction to never scratch under the cast is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining the integrity of the cast.
Let's evaluate the other options:
a) Apply a cold pack to any "hot spots" on the cast.
Applying a cold pack to any "hot spots" on the cast may help alleviate discomfort or itching, but it is not the highest priority instruction. Preventing scratching under the cast is more important to avoid skin damage or infection.
b) Keep the left leg in a dependent position.
Keeping the left leg in a dependent position (hanging down) is not the appropriate instruction for a client with a below-the-knee cast. It is generally recommended to elevate the injured limb to reduce swelling and promote proper blood flow. Elevating the leg would involve keeping it raised above the level of the heart.
c) Expect some increase in pain.
While it is possible for the client to experience some increase in pain after the application of a cast, this instruction alone is not comprehensive or specific enough for proper discharge education. Providing information about pain management strategies or when to seek medical atention for excessive pain would be more appropriate.
In summary, when discharging a client with a compound fracture of the left ankle and a below-the-knee cast, the practical nurse (PN) should provide the instruction to never scratch under the cast. This helps prevent complications and maintain the integrity of the cast, promoting proper healing of the fracture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The AP's ability to complete the task without assistance is not one of the five rights of delegation. The nurse should always supervise and evaluate the AP's performance of delegated tasks.
Choice B reason: The AP's ability to prioritize is not one of the five rights of delegation. The nurse should provide clear and specific instructions and expectations for the delegated tasks.
Choice C reason: The AP's rapport with clients is not one of the five rights of delegation. The nurse should consider the client's preferences, needs, and condition when delegating tasks.
Choice D reason: The AP has the knowledge and skill to perform the task is one of the five rights of delegation. The nurse should delegate tasks that are within the AP's scope of practice, training, and competencE.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Natural history of disease is not an approach that explains the factors that allow the reproduction and spread of infectious disease, but rather a description of how a disease progresses over time from exposure to outcome in the absence of intervention.
Choice B reason: Health promotion is not an approach that explains the factors that allow the reproduction and spread of infectious disease, but rather a process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health through education, empowerment, and policy changE.
Choice C reason: Levels of prevention are not an approach that explains the factors that allow the reproduction and spread of infectious disease, but rather a classification of interventions based on their timing and purpose in relation to disease occurrencE.
Choice D reason: Epidemiologic triangle is an approach that explains the factors that allow the reproduction and spread of infectious disease, by identifying and analyzing three elements: agent (the cause of disease), host (the person who gets sick), and environment (the conditions that affect transmission).
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