A nurse is caring for a client following application of a cast. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place an ice pack over the cast.
Position the casted extremity on a pillow.
Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Place an ice pack over the cast. While this can help reduce swelling and pain, it is a comfort measure, not the priority. Safety assessments must be completed first before implementing non-urgent interventions.
B. Position the casted extremity on a pillow. Elevation is important to reduce swelling, but it follows after ensuring that circulation to the extremity is intact and that there are no signs of vascular compromise.
C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry. Education is essential for long-term cast care, but it is not the first action after cast application. Immediate post-procedural monitoring takes precedence.
D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast. The nurse should first assess for adequate circulation by checking distal pulses. This helps identify early signs of complications like compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow, making it the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will hang a new bag of TPN and IV tubing every 24 hours." This is the correct action. TPN solutions are high in glucose and lipids, which create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Changing the bag and tubing every 24 hours reduces the risk of infection and sepsis, especially in clients with central lines.
B. "I will obtain the client's weight every other day." Weight should be monitored daily in clients receiving TPN to assess for fluid status, nutritional progress, and potential complications like fluid overload or retention.
C. "I will monitor the client's blood glucose level every 8 hours." Clients receiving TPN require more frequent glucose monitoring, typically every 4 to 6 hours, especially when therapy is initiated, due to the high dextrose content that can cause hyperglycemia.
D. “I will increase the rate of the TPN infusion to ensure the correct amount is given." TPN infusion rates should never be adjusted independently by a nurse. Changes must be made only with a provider’s order, as improper rate adjustments can lead to electrolyte imbalances, hyperglycemia, or fluid overload.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Screen the child's visitors for active infections. Neutropenia places the child at high risk for infection due to a severely weakened immune system. Screening visitors for signs of illness is essential to minimize exposure to infectious agents.
B. Prepare the child for a platelet transfusion. Platelet transfusions are used to treat thrombocytopenia, not neutropenia. While leukemia may cause both conditions, neutropenia specifically increases infection risk, not bleeding risk.
C. Monitor the child for indications of active bleeding. While bleeding is a concern in leukemia, it is more directly linked to low platelet levels. The priority intervention for neutropenia is infection prevention, not bleeding control.
D. Initiate a low-protein diet for the child. A low-protein diet is not appropriate for a child with leukemia. These children need adequate protein for healing, immune support, and maintaining strength during treatment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
