A nurse is caring for a client who has a femur fracture with the leg in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Remove the weights for 20 min for the client's report of severe pain.
Position the knot of the rope at the top of the pulley
Apply 6.8 kg (15 lb) of weight for use in traction
Compare bilateral pedal pulses.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Compare bilateral pedal pulses.
Rationale: The nurse should compare bilateral pedal pulses to assess for adequate circulation and perfusion to the lower extremities. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for broken femurs and hips, as well as fractures in the socket portion of the "ball-and-socket" hip joint (acetabular fractures). It uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes to position a limb near the fracture, then weights and pulleys are attached and pressure is applied. The nurse should not remove the weights for 20 min for the client's report of severe pain, as this would disrupt the alignment and traction of the fracture .
The nurse should not position the knot of the rope at the top of the pulley, as this would interfere with the smooth movement of the rope and reduce the effectiveness of traction. The nurse should not apply 6.8 kg (15 lb) of weight for use in traction, as this would exceed the recommended weight limit for skin traction and could cause skin damage or nerve injury. The weight should not exceed 4.5 kilograms at any point.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. “I should discuss this document with my family after I sign it.”It is important for clients to discuss their advance directives with their family members to ensure that their wishes are understood and respected. This helps prevent confusion and ensures that family members are aware of the client’s preferences for end-of-life care.
Incorrect Options:
A. “I am not allowed to change my mind once I sign this document.”Clients can change or revoke their advance directives at any time as long as they are competent to do so.
C. “My partner needs to be present when I sign this document.”While it is a good idea to have a witness, it is not necessary for the partner to be present. The requirements for witnesses vary by jurisdiction.
D. “An attorney will need to notarize this document for it to be valid.”Not all advance directives require notarization. The requirements vary by state or country, and some may only require witnesses.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.
Choice B reason
Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.
Choice C reason
Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Choice D reason
When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.
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