A nurse in a busy emergency department provides care for many clients who present with contusions, strains, or sprains. What are treatment modalities that are common to all of these musculoskeletal injuries? Select all that apply.
Applying ice intermittently
Elevating the injured limb
Resting the affected extremity
Massaging the affected limb
Compression dressings
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
A. Applying ice intermittently - Ice application helps reduce swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. It is effective in managing pain and preventing further tissue damage in contusions, strains, and sprains.
B. Elevating the injured limb - Elevating the injured limb above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injured area. This is particularly important in managing contusions, strains, and sprains where swelling is a common symptom. Elevation supports the body's natural healing processes.
C. Resting the affected extremity - Rest is essential to allow the injured tissue to heal. Avoiding movement and stress on the affected area prevents further damage and promotes the healing process. Resting the extremity prevents additional strain on the injured muscles, ligaments, or tendons, allowing the body to repair the damaged tissues effectively.
D. Massaging the affected limb - Massaging the affected limb is generally not recommended in the acute phase of musculoskeletal injuries, especially contusions, strains, or sprains. Massaging can potentially worsen the injury, increase swelling, and cause further tissue damage. It is important to wait until the initial acute phase has passed and consult a healthcare professional before considering massage therapy.
E. Compression dressings - Compression helps control swelling by applying pressure to the injured area. Compression dressings or bandages provide support to the injured limb, minimize swelling, and reduce the risk of further injury. However, it's essential to apply compression correctly to avoid cutting off circulation, and it's usually best done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Recent travel: Assessing recent travel history is relevant in understanding potential exposure to certain infections or dietary habits specific to certain regions. However, for a client admitted with renal stones, the immediate focus is on understanding factors related to their condition. While travel history might be a part of the overall assessment, it is not the priority question in this context.
B. Typical diet and fluid intake history: This is the priority question. Understanding the client's typical diet, including the types of foods they consume and their fluid intake habits, is crucial. Certain dietary factors, such as high intake of oxalate-rich foods or insufficient fluid intake, can contribute to the formation of renal stones. Gathering this information helps healthcare providers identify potential dietary factors that might have led to the stones, allowing for tailored dietary recommendations and prevention strategies.
C. Vaccination records: Vaccination records are essential for preventive healthcare, but they are not directly related to the assessment of a client admitted with renal stones. While ensuring clients are up-to-date with vaccinations is important, it is not the immediate concern in the context of renal stones.
D. Last bowel movement: Bowel movements are relevant to overall health and can provide information about gastrointestinal function. However, in the specific context of assessing a client admitted with renal stones, understanding the client's bowel movements is not the primary concern. The focus should be on factors directly related to renal stones, such as diet and fluid intake history, which can inform immediate interventions and prevention strategies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Malignant hypothermia: This is a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia. It doesn't typically manifest with calf edema.
B. Pulmonary embolism: While pulmonary embolism can occur as a complication in some cases, it is characterized by symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and may not directly cause calf edema.
C. Acute compartment syndrome
Increasing edema in the calf of a client with multiple fractures of the leg is a manifestation of acute compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which can lead to reduced blood flow, nerve damage, and tissue hypoxia. The edema and increased pressure can compress blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissue within the compartment, resulting in symptoms such as severe pain, edema, and potential vascular compromise.
D. Fat embolism syndrome: This syndrome can occur in clients with long bone fractures, but it is characterized by respiratory and neurologic symptoms, not isolated calf edema.

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