A nurse is caring for a client who has a left femur fracture and is in skeletal traction. The client reports pain due to muscle spasms in the affected leg. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?
Realign the extremity in traction
Remove the traction weights.
Increase the amount of traction
Allow the weights to rest on the floor
The Correct Answer is A
A. Realign the extremity in traction: Muscle spasms can be caused by misalignment or improper positioning of the extremity. Realigning the leg ensures proper traction force distribution, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates pain. This is the most appropriate initial action for managing spasm-related discomfort.
B. Remove the traction weights: Removing weights would interrupt the prescribed traction, potentially worsening fracture alignment and increasing pain or complications. Traction must be maintained continuously unless ordered otherwise by the provider.
C. Increase the amount of traction: Increasing weight without a provider order can cause neurovascular compromise, worsen pain, or damage tissue. Adjustments to traction must be prescribed, not done autonomously by the nurse.
D. Allow the weights to rest on the floor: Letting the weights rest on the floor eliminates the traction force, which can lead to malalignment of the fracture, increased muscle spasms, and delayed healing. This action is unsafe and inappropriate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypotension: Elevated magnesium levels cause smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, which can lead to hypotension. Severe hypermagnesemia can depress cardiovascular function, making low blood pressure a key expected finding.
B. Tachycardia: Hypermagnesemia typically causes bradycardia rather than tachycardia due to its depressant effect on cardiac conduction. Tachycardia is more often associated with hypovolemia, pain, or sympathetic stimulation, not high magnesium levels.
C. Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps and tetany are more commonly associated with hypomagnesemia. High magnesium levels have a neuromuscular depressant effect, leading to weakness rather than cramping.
D. Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia occurs with low magnesium levels. In hypermagnesemia, deep tendon reflexes are diminished or absent due to the depressant effect on neuromuscular transmission.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Shellfish allergy: Glucosamine supplements are often derived from shellfish. Clients with a shellfish allergy may experience an allergic reaction if they take glucosamine, making this an important contraindication to assess before recommending the supplement.
B. History of smoking: Smoking does not directly contraindicate glucosamine use. While smoking has other health risks, it does not increase the risk of adverse effects from this supplement.
C. Cardiac dysrhythmia: Glucosamine is not known to cause cardiac dysrhythmias, and a history of dysrhythmias is generally not a contraindication. Standard monitoring is sufficient.
D. Family history of malignant hyperthermia: Malignant hyperthermia is triggered by certain anesthetic agents, not dietary supplements like glucosamine. This family history does not affect the safety of glucosamine intake.
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