A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has a new plaster cast on her right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place a warm, moist heat pack on the cast.
Position the casted arm in a dependent position.
Move the casted arm with a firm grasp.
Administer diphenhydramine to relieve itching.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Place a warm, moist heat pack on the cast: Incorrect. Moisture can damage the integrity of a plaster cast, and heat can increase swelling.
B. Position the casted arm in a dependent position: Incorrect. Keeping the arm elevated helps reduce swelling and pain.
C. Move the casted arm with a firm grasp: Incorrect. A firm grasp can cause further injury or discomfort. It’s important to handle the casted limb gently.
D. Administer diphenhydramine to relieve itching: Correct. Itching is common under a new cast, and diphenhydramine can help manage this symptom without risking damage to the cast.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased hematocrit: Hematocrit usually increases in dehydration due to the concentration of red blood cells in a smaller volume of plasma.
B. Increased respiratory rate: Dehydration can lead to tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased blood volume and maintain oxygen delivery.
C. Decreased heart rate: Dehydration typically causes tachycardia (increased heart rate) as the body tries to maintain adequate blood circulation and pressure.
D. Increased platelet count: Dehydration does not typically affect platelet count significantly, though it may concentrate blood components, including platelets, making them appear elevated on a lab test.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Attempt to obtain a throat culture: This is contraindicated because manipulating the throat could exacerbate airway obstruction, leading to a potential respiratory emergency.
B. Use a tongue depressor to observe the back of the throat: This can provoke a spasm or cause complete airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis and should be avoided.
C. Apply humidified oxygen via a mask: This helps to keep the airways moist and can provide some relief and improve oxygenation while minimizing the risk of airway manipulation.
D. Initiate airborne precautions: Epiglottitis primarily requires droplet precautions, not airborne. Airborne precautions are used for diseases like tuberculosis, which are spread through smaller droplets that remain suspended in the air.
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