A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured hip and was placed in skeletal traction 2 hours ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Provide pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative.
Remove the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed.
Assess the client's circulation every 4 hours.
Request the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Providing pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative is not appropriate. The client has just undergone skeletal traction placement, and pin care is usually initiated after 24 hours to allow for initial wound healing.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed is unsafe and not recommended. The weights should remain in place to provide continuous traction and alignment for the fractured hip.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the client's circulation every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any signs of impaired circulation, such as swelling, pallor, or decreased pulses. Early detection of circulatory compromise is critical to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity is not appropriate after skeletal traction placement. Ankle exercises could disrupt traction and hinder the healing process of the fractured hip.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A capillary refill of less than 1 second is a normal finding and indicates adequate peripheral perfusion. It is not a cause for concern in this postoperative client.
Choice B rationale:
The presence of a pulse deficit should be reported to the provider because it suggests a discrepancy between the apical and radial pulses, indicating potential cardiovascular compromise or inadequate arterial perfusion.
Choice C rationale:
A systolic blood pressure 10 points lower than before surgery can be a normal response to anesthesia or surgery and may not necessarily require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms or vital sign abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Pulse oximetry at 96% is within the normal range for oxygen saturation and does not warrant immediate reporting. However, if the client is experiencing respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms, it should be addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should wash the client in a distal to proximal direction during a bed bath after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to prevent the risk of clot dislodgement. This method ensures that any potential clots or debris are moved away from the central circulation, reducing the risk of harm.
Choice B rationale:
Using a circular motion with the washcloth can increase friction and potentially irritate the skin. Clients with a history of CVA might have reduced sensation or mobility, making them susceptible to skin breakdown. Hence, avoiding circular motions is important to prevent skin damage.
Choice C rationale:
Massaging the legs after completing the bath can also pose a risk of clot dislodgement. It is essential to avoid vigorous massage on areas affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism.
Choice D rationale:
There is no need to disconnect the IV tubing before performing the bath unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider. In general, clients receiving continuous IV infusions can continue the infusion while maintaining proper infection control measures during the bath.
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