A nurse is caring for a client who is immobile.
Which of the following interventions is appropriate to prevent contracture?

Align a trochanter wedge between the client’s legs.

Apply an orthotic to the client’s foot.

Place a towel roll under the client’s neck.

Position a pillow under the client’s knees.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

An orthotic is a device that supports or corrects the function of a body part. In this case, an orthotic can help prevent foot drop, which is a common contracture deformity in immobile patients. Foot drop occurs when the muscles that lift the foot become weak or paralyzed, causing the foot to hang down at the ankle. An orthotic can keep the foot in a neutral position and prevent shortening of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Choice A is wrong because a trochanter wedge is used to prevent external rotation of the hip, not contracture. A trochanter wedge is a triangular-shaped pillow that is placed between the legs to keep them parallel and aligned.

Choice C is wrong because a towel roll under the neck is used to maintain proper cervical alignment, not contracture. A towel roll can prevent hyperextension of the neck and support the natural curve of the spine.

Choice D is wrong because a pillow under the knees can actually cause contracture of the knee joint by keeping it in a flexed position. A pillow under the knees can also reduce blood flow to the lower extremities and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Contracture is a permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and surrounding tissues that causes the joints to shorten and stiffen.

Contracture can limit the range of motion and function of the affected body part. Contracture can be caused by inactivity, scarring, or diseases that affect the muscles or nerves. Prevention of contractures requires early diagnosis and initiation of physical medicine approaches such as passive range of motion exercises and splinting before contractures are present or while contractures are mild.

Contracture is a permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and surrounding tissues that causes the joints to shorten and stiffen.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed.

Choice A rationale:

Moving both crutches with the stronger leg forward first is not correct because in a three-point gait, the two crutches and the affected leg move together, followed by the stronger leg.

Choice B rationale:

Supporting body weight while leaning on the axillary crutch pads is incorrect as this can cause nerve damage under the arms. Weight should be supported by the hands while using crutches.

Choice C rationale:

Stepping with the affected leg first when going up stairs is incorrect. When ascending stairs, the unaffected (stronger) leg should be moved first, followed by the affected leg and crutches.

Choice D rationale:

Positioning both hands on the grips with elbows slightly flexed is correct as it allows for proper weight distribution through the arms and hands, which is essential for balance and safety while using crutches.

A. Nonreactive pupils. B. Serpentine limb movement. C. Smacking lips. D. Shuffling gait.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is because shuffling gait is a common manifestation of pseudo-parkinsonism, which is a condition that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease due to the use of certain medications that block dopamine receptors, such as haloperidol. Pseudoparkinsonism can cause slowed movements, muscle stiffness, tremor, and postural instability.
Choice A. Nonreactive pupils are wrong because this is not a typical feature of pseudoparkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease.
Nonreactive pupils can be caused by other conditions, such as brain injury, drugs, or eye diseases.
Choice B. Serpentine limb movement is wrong because this is a characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, another drug-induced movement disorder that can result from the long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents. Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and limbs that are often writhing or twisting.
Choice C. Smacking lips is wrong because this is also a sign of tardive dyskinesia, not pseudo-parkinsonism. Smacking lips is one of the orofacial movements that can occur in tardive dyskinesia due to abnormal muscle contractions.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is immobile. Which of the following interventions is appropriate to prevent contracture?

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A nurse is caring for a client who is immobile.
Which of the following interventions is appropriate to prevent contracture?