A client with a sprained ankle is seen at the clinic and is given a pair of crutches. When the client stands with the aid of the crutches, the nurse notes a space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client's axilla. Which action should the nurse take?
Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size.
Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted.
Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands.
Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.
Choice A rationale:
Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size. This is unnecessary because the crutches are already correctly fitted. A space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client’s axilla is appropriate to prevent pressure on the axilla and potential nerve damage.
Choice B rationale:
Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted. This action is not needed since the crutches are already properly adjusted. Adjusting the crutch length further could lead to improper fitting, which might cause discomfort or injury.
Choice C rationale:
Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands. While assessing circulation is important, it is not directly related to the fitting of the crutches. Proper crutch fitting focuses on ensuring there is no pressure on the axilla and that the client can use the crutches comfortably.
Choice D rationale:
Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches. This is the correct action because the crutches are already properly fitted. The nurse should now focus on educating the client on the correct use of the crutches to ensure safe and effective mobility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: An allergy bracelet provides immediate visual notification of the client's allergies to all healthcare personnel, which is crucial for preventing allergic reactions.
Choice B reason: Notifying the dietary department is important, but it does not have the same immediate impact on client safety as an allergy bracelet.
Choice C reason: Sending a list of medication allergies to the pharmacy is a necessary step, but it is secondary to providing immediate identification of the client's allergies.
Choice D reason: Placing a latex-free supply cart outside the room is a proactive measure to prevent exposure to latex, but the first step should be to ensure that the client's allergies are clearly identified for all staff.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: An increased boundary of the wound suggests possible infection or inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A CRP test can help assess the severity of inflammation or infection. The normal range for CRP is generally below 10 mg/L.
Choice B reason: While serum potassium and sodium levels are important electrolytes to monitor, they are not directly related to wound assessment or infection. Normal ranges for potassium are 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L, and for sodium, 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice C reason: Neutrophils are white blood cells that respond to infection. While an elevated neutrophil count can indicate infection, it is not as specific as CRP for inflammation. The normal range for neutrophils is 2,500 to 6,000 cells/mcL.
Choice D reason: Platelets are involved in clotting and would not necessarily change due to wound infection or inflammation. The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mcL.
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