A nurse is caring for a client who just had a left long-arm plaster cast applied after experiencing a musculoskeletal trauma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Position the cast on a plastic-covered pillow.
Perform neurovascular checks every 2 hr.
Instruct the client to avoid moving the fingers on the left hand.
Touch the cast with the palms of the hands when moving the client.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Position the cast on a plastic-covered pillow:
Positioning the cast on a plastic-covered pillow is not recommended because the plastic can trap moisture and heat, potentially affecting the cast's integrity as it dries. Instead, a soft, absorbent material should be used to support the cast.
B) Perform neurovascular checks every 2 hr:
Frequent neurovascular checks are essential to monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, nerve damage, or impaired circulation. This action helps ensure that any changes in sensation, movement, or circulation are identified and addressed promptly.
C) Instruct the client to avoid moving the fingers on the left hand:
Encouraging the client to move their fingers is important to prevent stiffness and swelling and to promote circulation. Instructing the client to avoid moving their fingers is not appropriate and could lead to complications.
D) Touch the cast with the palms of the hands when moving the client:
Handling a wet plaster cast with the palms of the hands is correct to prevent indentations and pressure points that could cause skin irritation or pressure sores. However, this action is not as critical as performing frequent neurovascular checks to ensure the client's safety and monitor for complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Bounding peripheral pulses: Metabolic acidosis typically does not cause bounding peripheral pulses. In metabolic acidosis, vasodilation might occur, but it usually leads to weaker, not bounding, pulses due to decreased cardiac output and blood pressure.
B) Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia is not commonly associated with metabolic acidosis. Instead, metabolic acidosis may cause symptoms like muscle weakness or fatigue due to the effect of acid-base imbalance on neuromuscular function.
C) Cool skin: While cool skin can sometimes be associated with poor perfusion in severe cases, it is not a direct manifestation of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis more commonly affects internal physiology rather than peripheral skin temperature directly.
D) Hypotension: Hypotension is a common manifestation of metabolic acidosis. The acidosis leads to vasodilation and decreased cardiac contractility, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. This is a critical sign for the nurse to monitor as it indicates the severity of the acid-base imbalance and its effect on the cardiovascular system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Reports intolerance to heat: Intolerance to heat is more commonly associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism rather than iron-deficiency anemia. Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia often experience fatigue and cold intolerance due to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
B) Develops bradycardia after eating: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia usually causes an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery.
C) Has a friction rub on auscultation: A friction rub is a sound heard on auscultation associated with pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, and is not a typical finding in iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia primarily affects the blood and does not usually cause inflammation of the heart lining.
D) Displays dyspnea while walking: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia, particularly with exertion. This occurs because the reduced hemoglobin levels result in decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, making physical activities more challenging and causing breathlessness.
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