A nurse is caring for a client who had a fiberglass cast applied 30 min ago for a fractured tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Maintain affected leg elevated on several pillows.

Instruct the client to wiggle the toes once every 4 hr.

Use a hair dryer to promote drying of the cast.

Apply heat to the client's cast to provide pain relief.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should maintain the affected leg elevated on several pillows to reduce swelling and promote venous return. Elevating the leg helps minimize edema, which can be beneficial for the healing process and overall comfort of the client.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to wiggle the toes once every 4 hours is not necessary and may cause discomfort to the fractured tibia. Toe wiggling does not provide any significant benefit in this context and could potentially disrupt the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

Using a hair dryer to promote drying of the cast is not recommended. Applying heat to the fiberglass cast may alter its integrity and lead to uneven drying, potentially weakening the cast's support.

Choice D rationale:

Applying heat to the client's cast for pain relief is not advisable. Heat may also weaken the cast material and is unlikely to provide effective pain relief for a fractured tibia. Instead, the nurse should follow the prescribed pain management plan and use appropriate pain medications as ordered by the healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A three-prong plug attached to the electrical cord of the client's bed is not a safety hazard. It is a standard plug type used in many electrical devices and poses no immediate danger if properly installed.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting a protective cover into an unused outlet is actually a safety measure to prevent electrical accidents. It is not a hazard but a recommended practice.

Choice C rationale:

Plugging an IV pump into an outlet near a sink is a safety hazard. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and any spill or leakage around the outlet could lead to electrical shock or damage to the equipment.

Choice D rationale:

Coiling and securing an electrical cord to the floor can be a potential tripping hazard, but it is not as hazardous as having an electrical device near a sink. Tripping hazards can cause falls, while the combination of water and electricity is more likely to cause serious injuries.

A. Notify the surgeon of the temperature elevation. B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids. C. Assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. D. Monitor vital signs every 4 hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Notifying the surgeon of the temperature elevation is important, but it is not the nurse's priority. A temperature elevation after abdominal surgery could be a sign of infection, but the immediate action should be to assess the surgical incision for any signs of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is a good practice to maintain hydration and promote recovery after surgery. However, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The elevated temperature and potential infection take precedence over increasing fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. An elevated temperature is a significant finding after surgery, and it may indicate a surgical site infection, which requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is an essential nursing intervention after surgery, but it is not the priority when the client has an elevated temperature and a recent surgical incision.
The nurse must first assess for signs of infection before proceeding with routine vital sign monitoring.

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A nurse is caring for a client who had a fiberglass cast applied 30 min ago for a fractured tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A home health nurse is inspecting a client's residence for electrical hazards as part of the agency's quality improvement plan. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a safety hazard?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who had a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 3 days ago. The client's vital signs are temperature 38.3°C (100.9°F), heart rate 80/min, respirations 16/min, and blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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