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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Administering an oral corticosteroid is not the first action the nurse should take. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy. However, they are usually prescribed if the symptoms are severe or if the rash covers a large area of the body. It’s important to note that corticosteroids can have side effects, especially when used for a long time, so they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe the skin and relieve itching caused by poison ivy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The first step is to remove the oil from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion can be applied after the area has been thoroughly washed.
Choice C rationale: Instructing the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. Similar to calamine lotion, an oatmeal bath can be beneficial after the area has been thoroughly washed to remove the oil from the skin.
Choice D rationale: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a child exposed to poison ivy is to flush the area with cold, running water. This helps to remove the oil (urushiol) from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after exposure to help prevent the spread of the oil to other areas of the body or to other people. After flushing the area, the nurse can then apply calamine lotion or recommend an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin and relieve itching.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is a crucial step in preventing accidental removal or displacement of the tube during feedings. Infants are known for their active movements, which could lead to unintentional removal of the tube. Taping the tube securely helps maintain its proper placement and ensures the delivery of nutrients.
Choice B rationale:
Positioning the infant in a supine (lying on the back) position during feedings is not recommended. This position could lead to an increased risk of aspiration, where the feedings could enter the airway and lungs, causing respiratory issues. The recommended position for nasogastric tube feedings is semi-upright or upright to minimize this risk.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirating residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it is not standard practice for nasogastric tube feedings. Aspirating can introduce the risk of infection or cause irritation to the stomach lining. Additionally, residual fluid can provide valuable information about the infant's digestion and absorption, and its presence should be taken into consideration when adjusting feedings.
Choice D rationale:
Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) is not safe. Formula should be warmed gently using warm water or a bottle warmer to avoid overheating, which could burn the infant's mouth and esophagus. Microwaving can cause uneven heating and lead to hot spots within the formula, posing a risk of burns.
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