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 D
Explanation
Answer is: d. Reposition the client.
Explanation: Repositioning the client can help alleviate pain by redistributing pressure and promoting comfort. Since the client's pain level is relatively low (2 on a scale of 0 to 10), this non-pharmacological intervention is an appropriate initial action.
Choice a. is wrong because maintaining the client on bed rest is not an appropriate action for a pain level of 2. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to mobilize and perform appropriate exercises to prevent complications related to immobility.
Choice b. is wrong because applying a warm, moist compress to the incision area might not be the best action for a client who is 24 hours postoperative, as it could increase the risk of infection and cause discomfort. Cold compresses are often used in the initial postoperative period to reduce swelling and promote comfort.
Choice c. is wrong because administering an additional dose of pain medication is not necessary at this point, as the client's pain level is relatively low. The nurse should consider non-pharmacological interventions first and reassess the client's pain level to determine the need for further pain relief.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, "Cover the pad prior to use." This is a necessary precaution to prevent burns. Choice B is incorrect because filling the pad with sterile water is not necessary. Choice C is incorrect because aquathermia pads should only be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time. Choice D is incorrect because using safety pins to secure the pad in place can puncture the pad and cause burns. Choice B is not correct because filling the pad with sterile water is not necessary. Choice C is not correct because aquathermia pads should only be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time. Choice D is not correct because using safety pins to secure the pad in place can puncture the pad and cause burns.
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