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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Promptly inform the primary provider:
Explanation: Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If a nurse suspects compartment syndrome due to symptoms like severe unrelieved pain, absent pulses, and pale extremities, the most appropriate action is to promptly inform the primary healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, order necessary diagnostic tests, and potentially arrange for emergent interventions like fasciotomy to relieve compartment pressure.
B. Reassess the client's neurovascular status in 15 minutes:
Explanation: Waiting for 15 minutes to reassess the client's neurovascular status is not appropriate in this situation. Compartment syndrome can progress rapidly, leading to irreversible tissue damage within a short time frame. Delaying assessment and intervention can result in significant complications.
C. Warm the client's foot and determine whether circulation improves:
Explanation: Warming the foot is not appropriate in this context. Compartment syndrome is caused by increased pressure within the muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation. Warming the foot will not address the underlying issue of elevated compartment pressure and can potentially worsen the condition by dilating blood vessels and increasing pressure further.
D. Reposition the client with the affected foot dependent:
Explanation: Repositioning the client with the affected foot dependent is contraindicated in compartment syndrome. Elevating the limb can worsen the condition by further restricting blood flow. The limb should be kept at or slightly below the level of the heart to maintain adequate perfusion until medical intervention can be initiated.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Right hip dislocation: In a hip dislocation, the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum, which is the socket in the pelvis. This can cause a noticeably shorter leg, hip deformity, and acute pain. Imaging might not show a fracture in the case of a dislocation.
B. Right hip contusion: A hip contusion is a bruise on the hip, usually caused by a direct blow or trauma. While it can cause pain and swelling, it typically does not result in a noticeably shorter leg or hip deformity.
C. Right hip strain: Hip strain refers to damage to the muscles or tendons around the hip joint due to overuse or sudden twisting movements. While it can cause pain, it does not typically lead to a noticeable leg shortening or hip deformity.
D. Right hip osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the hip joint. It leads to joint pain and stiffness but does not usually cause a noticeable leg shortening or acute deformity unless there are severe complications, which are not mentioned in the scenario.
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