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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's first priority in this situation should be to close the pinch clamp on the central venous catheter (CVC). This will prevent air from entering the client's vascular system and causing an air embolism, which can lead to serious complications. Once the clamp is closed, the nurse can then proceed with further assessments and interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a prescription for stat ABGS (Arterial Blood Gas Studies) is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation. While ABGS may be relevant later to assess the client's respiratory status, the immediate concern is to prevent air embolism by closing the disconnected IV tubing.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the client in the left Trendelenburg position is not the first priority in this situation. The Trendelenburg position is used to increase venous return and is typically indicated in cases of hypotension or shock. Closing the clamp to prevent an air embolism should be the nurse's initial action.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the tubing for the placement of a locking adaptor is not the first action the nurse should take. While it is essential to ensure that the IV tubing is properly connected and secured, preventing the air from entering the CVC should take precedence in this urgent situation.
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.
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