A nurse is assisting with the care of an adolescent client who is in skeletal traction for the treatment of a fractured femur. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Gently lift the traction weights off the floor when repositioning the client.
Reduce intake of foods containing fiber while nonambulatory.
Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected extremity every 2 hours.
Apply protective padding to the end of the pin sites.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Gently lift the traction weights off the floor when repositioning the client. Rationale: This choice is not recommended in the care of a client in skeletal traction. Traction weights should never be lifted off the floor as they provide the necessary counter traction to align and immobilize the fractured bone. Lifting the weights could disrupt the traction and jeopardize the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Reduce intake of foods containing fiber while nonambulatory. Rationale: While constipation can be a concern for clients in skeletal traction due to decreased mobility, reducing fiber intake is not the appropriate intervention. Adequate fiber intake is important to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Hydration and mobility exercises are more suitable approaches to manage constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected extremity every 2 hours. Rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises are important to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy in a nonambulatory client. However, performing these exercises every 2 hours might be excessive and could cause unnecessary discomfort for the client. Range-of-motion exercises are usually done every 4 to 8 hours to strike a balance between maintaining joint health and providing rest.
Choice D rationale:
Apply protective padding to the end of the pin sites. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Applying protective padding to the end of the pin sites is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and infection. The pin sites are potential entry points for bacteria, and protecting them helps reduce the risk of infection. Padding also prevents pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the potential for pressure injuries.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
It is essential for the nurse to stay with the client in this situation. The client's presentation indicates manic behavior, which can be associated with bipolar disorder. Manic episodes can lead to increased energy levels, decreased need for sleep, agitation, and impulsivity. The client's refusal to sit down, pacing, and becoming agitated when asked questions all indicate potential risk to themselves or others. Staying with the client ensures their safety and the safety of others in the environment. The nurse can provide verbal support, prevent potential harm, and de-escalate the situation if needed.
Placing the client in a room close to the nurses' station might be helpful for monitoring and quick assistance, but it doesn't directly address the client's immediate agitation and need for supervision. The priority in this scenario is to ensure the client's safety, which can be achieved by staying with them.
Offering the client a caffeinated beverage is not appropriate in this situation. Caffeine can exacerbate agitation and restlessness, potentially worsening the client's symptoms. It's important to provide a calm and supportive environment instead.
Weighing the client daily is not relevant to the current situation. The client's agitation and need for supervision take precedence over routine assessments like daily weight measurement.
Offering the client finger foods is also not appropriate in this situation. The client's behavior and presentation suggest a manic episode, and their agitation indicates that they are not in a state to engage in eating. Ensuring safety and providing emotional support are the immediate priorities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Apply cold packs to the lower abdomen. This is the correct answer because applying cold packs to the lower abdomen can help alleviate dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps). Cold therapy helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and thus reducing pain. It's a non-pharmacological approach to managing menstrual cramps.
Choice B rationale:
Increase daily intake of fat. Increasing fat intake is not a recommended approach for managing dysmenorrhea. Balanced nutrition is important, but increasing fat intake is unlikely to significantly impact menstrual cramps. Other strategies are more effective.
Choice C rationale:
Massage the lower back area. Massaging the lower back can help with muscle relaxation and may provide some relief, but it is not as effective as applying cold packs to the lower abdomen for dysmenorrhea. Cold packs specifically target blood flow reduction to the area of pain.
Choice D rationale:
Limit physical activity. While it's generally a good idea to avoid strenuous physical activity during periods of intense pain, limiting physical activity alone is not the most effective strategy for managing dysmenorrhea. Cold packs and other interventions are more likely to provide relief.
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