A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has a fractured femur and is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Apply a 9 kg 120 lb weight to the traction
Clean the pin insertion sites on a daily basis.
Remove the weights while the client is eating
Ensure that the weights are hanging freely.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply a 9 kg (20 lb) weight to the traction: Buck’s traction is designed for short-term immobilization and uses lighter weights, typically between 2 to 5 kg (4.5 to 10 lb). Applying 9 kg (20 lb) would be excessive and could lead to nerve damage, impaired circulation, or additional injury.
B. Clean the pin insertion sites on a daily basis: Buck’s traction is a type of skin traction, not skeletal traction, and does not involve pins inserted into the bone. Therefore, there are no pin sites to clean in Buck’s traction, making this action irrelevant for the client’s care.
C. Remove the weights while the client is eating: Weights should never be removed or lifted unless there is a provider’s specific order to do so. Interrupting the continuous pull of the traction can cause misalignment of the fracture and delay healing.
D. Ensure that the weights are hanging freely: It is essential that the weights in Buck’s traction hang freely without resting on the floor or bed. This ensures a constant, steady pull on the extremity, which helps maintain proper alignment and promotes effective immobilization.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Librium: Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal management. It is not typically prescribed for pain control after surgery and would not be expected in a client using a PCA pump.
B. Disulfiram: Disulfiram is used to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is ingested. It has no role in pain management and would not be associated with postoperative care or PCA use.
C. Phenobarbital: Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used to control seizures and sometimes for sedation. It is not prescribed for pain relief and would not be expected for a client recovering from a hysterectomy with a PCA pump.
D. Clonidine: Clonidine can be used as an adjunct to pain management, particularly to enhance the effects of opioids and reduce the amount needed. It can help manage withdrawal symptoms and pain, making it a medication the provider might prescribe alongside a PCA pump.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Request the family members leave the client's room: Family members may choose to stay if they wish, and they should be allowed to participate or be present during postmortem care if it aligns with their emotional needs or cultural practices. Forcing them to leave is not appropriate unless required for specific procedures.
B. Place dentures in the client's mouth: Placing dentures helps maintain the natural shape and appearance of the face, offering a more familiar and comforting appearance for the family during viewing. This is an important step in preparing the body respectfully.
C. Remove the client's personal hair pieces: Hairpieces should be left in place unless the family or facility policy requests otherwise. Removing them without need can alter the client’s appearance and potentially distress the family.
D. Lower the head of the client's bed: The head of the bed should be elevated slightly, not lowered, to prevent blood from pooling in the head and face, which could cause discoloration and swelling before the family views the body.
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