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
The answer is a. Hard-boiled egg.
Hard-boiled eggs are a safe snack for a toddler.They are soft, easy to chew, and rich in nutrients.
Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not recommended:
b. Grapes: Whole grapes are not recommended for toddlers due to the risk of choking.They are round and slippery, making them difficult for toddlers to chew properly.
c. Raw carrots: Similar to grapes, raw carrots pose a choking hazard for toddlers.They are hard and can break into large pieces that might block a toddler’s airway.
d. Popcorn: Popcorn is not safe for toddlers. The kernels can get stuck in a toddler’s throat and cause choking.Moreover, unpopped or partially popped kernels are hard and can also pose a choking risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decrease daily oral fluid intake. Rationale: This choice is not appropriate for a client experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In this crisis, there is a risk of dehydration due to increased fluid loss, and decreasing oral fluid intake would exacerbate this issue. Adequate hydration is important to prevent further sickling of red blood cells and maintain organ perfusion.
Choice B rationale:
Maintain bed rest to prevent hypoxemia. Rationale: This is the correct choice. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, blood flow to certain tissues is restricted, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Bed rest is recommended to reduce metabolic demands and oxygen consumption, helping to prevent further tissue damage and improve oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of complications such as thrombosis and respiratory compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Apply cold compresses to painful joints. Rationale: Applying cold compresses is not a recommended intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Cold can exacerbate vasoconstriction and further compromise blood flow to the affected tissues. Warm compresses or warm baths might be more appropriate to promote vasodilation and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale:
Administer meperidine to eliminate a fever. Rationale: Administering meperidine solely to eliminate a fever is not the primary focus of care for a vaso-occlusive crisis. The priority is to manage pain and improve tissue perfusion. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used to manage severe pain associated with sickle cell crises, but it should be given with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression and the potential for addiction.
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