A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a compound fracture of the right tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Keep client in semi-Fowler's position with right extremity flat.
Manage pain with oral opioids every 6 hr.
Check capillary refill hourly for the first 24 hr.
Apply a compression dressing over the fracture site.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Keep client in semi-Fowler's position with right extremity flat: Keeping the client in a semi-Fowler's position with the extremity flat is not appropriate for managing a compound fracture. Elevating the affected limb, if possible, helps reduce swelling and pain, but the position should also consider overall stability and comfort.
B) Manage pain with oral opioids every 6 hr: Oral opioids are not the best choice for immediate pain management in an emergency setting, especially with a compound fracture. Intravenous pain medications are typically more effective for acute, severe pain in such situations and can provide quicker relief.
C) Check capillary refill hourly for the first 24 hr: Checking capillary refill is important to assess blood flow and perfusion, but hourly checks for 24 hours may not be necessary and can be overly frequent unless specific concerns arise. Monitoring should be based on clinical judgment and the client's condition.
D) Apply a compression dressing over the fracture site: Applying a compression dressing over the fracture site can help control bleeding and stabilize the area. Compound fractures involve an open wound, so controlling bleeding while minimizing the risk of infection is crucial. This intervention is essential in managing the initial trauma before more definitive surgical treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Monitor the client for an elevated RBC count.: While an elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is more indicative of appendicitis, an elevated RBC count is not typically used to diagnose appendicitis.
B. Instruct the client to not eat food or drink liquids.: This is important as it prepares the client for a potential surgical procedure. If the appendix is inflamed and surgery is necessary, the client should not eat or drink to prevent complications related to anesthesia and surgery.
C. Administer an enema to the client.: Administering an enema is not recommended as it can increase the risk of perforation of the appendix, which is a serious complication.
D. Maintain the client in a supine position.: While maintaining a supine position may be necessary, it is not as critical as ensuring the client remains NPO (nil per os) in preparation for possible surgery. The position is less of a priority compared to dietary restrictions in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Drowsiness: While drowsiness can be a sign of elevated magnesium levels, it is less critical compared to more immediate symptoms like bradycardia. Monitoring and managing drowsiness is important, but bradycardia poses a more immediate risk of severe cardiovascular issues.
B) Diminished patellar reflexes: Diminished reflexes can indicate elevated magnesium levels, but this finding is less urgent compared to symptoms directly affecting heart function. It still needs to be reported but is not the highest priority.
C) Generalized muscle weakness: Muscle weakness is another common sign of high magnesium levels, reflecting the effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function. However, it is less critical compared to bradycardia, which can be life-threatening.
D) Bradycardia: Elevated magnesium levels can significantly impact cardiac function, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life-threatening, as it may result in decreased cardiac output and potential for severe complications. Therefore, this finding requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider first.
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