A nurse is assessing a client who has a cast in place for a fractured tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Performing range of motion
Managing pain
Checking capillary refill
Discussing cast care
The Correct Answer is C
A. Performing range of motion:
Explanation: Range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, especially in clients with casts. However, this is not the first priority. Ensuring adequate circulation and perfusion is crucial before initiating any exercises or movements, as compromised circulation could lead to serious complications.
B. Managing pain:
Explanation: Pain management is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority in this context. Assessing circulation and ensuring there are no signs of compromised perfusion takes precedence. Pain management can follow once circulation has been confirmed as adequate.
C. Checking capillary refill:
Explanation: Checking capillary refill is the first priority when assessing a client with a cast. Capillary refill assesses peripheral circulation by pressing on the nail bed and observing how quickly color returns. Delayed capillary refill could indicate compromised blood flow, which is a serious concern and requires immediate intervention.
D. Discussing cast care:
Explanation: Educating the client about cast care is important, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring proper circulation and ruling out any signs of impaired perfusion must be addressed before discussing cast care instructions.
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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 B
Explanation
A. Foam:
Explanation: Foam dressings are highly absorbent and provide cushioning and protection to wounds. They are suitable for wounds with moderate to heavy drainage. While foam dressings are excellent for wound exudate management, they are not specifically designed for protecting bony prominences or areas with poor skin integrity.
B. Non-adherent:
Explanation: Non-adherent dressings are made from materials that do not stick to the wound bed. They are ideal for fragile skin, bony prominences, or superficial wounds where minimizing trauma during dressing changes is important. Non-adherent dressings are often used for preventing further skin damage in malnourished clients with poor skin integrity.
C. Ace bandage:
Explanation: Ace bandages, or elastic bandages, are primarily used for providing compression and support to injured joints or muscles. They are not designed for protecting bony prominences or fragile skin areas. Using an Ace bandage on a bony prominence could lead to pressure points and skin damage.
D. Hydrocolloid:
Explanation: Hydrocolloid dressings are absorbent and form a gel-like barrier when they come into contact with wound exudate. They provide a moist environment that supports healing and autolytic debridement. Hydrocolloid dressings are suitable for wounds with light to moderate drainage. While they are beneficial for certain wounds, they are not specifically indicated for protecting bony prominences in malnourished clients.
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