A nurse is caring for a client who has a distal radius fracture with a short arm cast applied. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching.
Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hr.
Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart.
Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: Choice A: Maintain direct pressure over the site.
Here's the rationale for each choice:
- Choice A: Maintain direct pressure over the site (CORRECT) This is the most important initial step in controlling bleeding for any patient, especially one with hemophilia who has a deficiency in clotting factors. Maintaining pressure directly on the wound helps to form a clot and stop the bleeding.
- Choice B: Check whether the bleeding has stopped While checking for bleeding cessation is important, it shouldn't be the immediate next step after applying a dressing. Maintaining pressure ensures the dressing remains effective. Once pressure is released, you can assess for continued bleeding.
- Choice C: Obtain a radial pulse Assessing the radial pulse is not directly related to managing the bleeding from the laceration. While it's a vital sign, it's not a priority in this situation.
- Choice D: Reinforce the dressing over the site While reinforcing the dressing might be necessary later if it becomes saturated with blood, maintaining direct pressure is the crucial first step.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This finding could indicate the presence of bile leakage, which can occur following a cholecystectomy. The provider should be notified immediately as the client may require further interventions. Incisional pain, shoulder pain, and a dry and intact abdominal dressing are expected findings in the postoperative period.
Choice C, incisional pain 5 out of 10 on a pain scale, is not the correct answer because this level of pain is within the expected range for the postoperative period.
Choice D, abdominal dressing dry and intact, is not the correct answer because this is an expected finding in the postoperative period.
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