A nurse is caring for a client who has a cast in place for a fractured tibia. Which of the following nursing actions is the priority immediately after the provider has applied the cast?
Performing range of motion
Checking capillary refill distal to the cast
Teaching the client about cast care
Managing pain
The Correct Answer is B
A. Performing range of motion: This should not be done immediately after applying the cast, as it may compromise the integrity of the cast. Range of motion exercises should be initiated once the cast has fully set and as directed by the healthcare provider.
B. Checking capillary refill distal to the cast: This is the priority after applying the cast. It assesses blood flow to the extremity below the cast. Impaired circulation could lead to serious complications, so it's crucial to monitor capillary refill promptly.
C. Teaching the client about cast care: While providing education about cast care is important, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring proper circulation is more critical in the initial moments after applying the cast.
D. Managing pain: While pain management is important, it is not the immediate priority after applying the cast. Ensuring proper circulation and assessing for any signs of impairment take precedence. Pain management can be addressed once circulation is confirmed to be adequate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["63"]
Explanation
- To calculate the gtt/min, use the formula: gtt/min = (volume in mL x drop factor in gtt/mL) / time in min
- Substitute the given values: gtt/min = (250 mL x 15 gtt/mL) / 60 min - Simplify and round: gtt/min = 62.5 gtt/min ≈ 63 gtt/min
- The nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver 63 gtt/min
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Inserting sterile packing into the nares is not indicated in this situation. Clear fluid drainage from the nose may be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and packing could cause further complications.
B. Allowing the drainage to drip onto a sterile gauze pad is the appropriate initial action. Clear fluid drainage from the nose after a traumatic event may be CSF, which can indicate a skull fracture and damage to the meninges. Collecting the fluid on a sterile gauze pad can help confirm the presence of CSF.
C. Suctioning the nose with a bulb syringe is not recommended because it can introduce contaminants into the nasal passages and potentially worsen the injury.
D. Obtaining a culture of the specimen using sterile swabs is a consideration once the presence of CSF is confirmed. However, the initial priority is to identify and collect the clear fluid drainage.
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