A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

Provide reassurance to the client and parents.

Perform a neurovascular assessment.

Apply an ice pack to the casted leg

Explain the discharge instructions to the client and parents.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Provide reassurance to the client and parents: While reassurance is important, it is not the priority action when caring for an adolescent client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Ensuring adequate neurovascular status is critical to prevent complications associated with impaired circulation or nerve function.
B. Perform a neurovascular assessment: This is the correct action and the priority when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. The nurse should assess the client's neurovascular status by evaluating circulation, sensation, and movement distal to the casted limb. Changes in color, temperature, sensation, or movement could indicate impaired circulation or nerve function, which require immediate intervention to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome.
C. Apply an ice pack to the casted leg: While applying ice may help reduce swelling and discomfort, it is not the priority action when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. Additionally, applying ice directly to the cast may not effectively reach the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing discomfort without providing significant benefit.
D. Explain the discharge instructions to the client and parents: Providing discharge instructions is important for client education, but it is not the priority action immediately after applying a cast. Ensuring the client's safety and well-being by performing a neurovascular assessment takes precedence to identify and address any potential complications associated with the cast.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To determine the total number of units of insulin to prepare in the insulin syringe, add together the prescribed doses of regular insulin and NPH insulin.

Regular insulin: 14 units NPH insulin: 28 units

Total: 14 units (regular insulin) + 28 units (NPH insulin) = 42 units

Therefore, the nurse should prepare a total of 42 units of insulin in the insulin syringe: 14 units of regular insulin and 28 units of NPH insulin

A. "The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay. " B. "Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level." C. "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the dots. " D. "I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While heparin and warfarin both work as anticoagulants, IV heparin is not typically used to increase the effects of warfarin or decrease the length of hospital stay. Heparin is often administered initially to rapidly achieve therapeutic anticoagulation while waiting for warfarin to reach its full therapeutic effect, but it is not intended to directly enhance the action of warfarin.
B. This statement is accurate and provides a clear explanation to the client. Warfarin, an oral anticoagulant, takes several days to achieve a therapeutic level in the bloodstream and to exert its anticoagulant effect. During this time, IV heparin is continued to prevent clot formation until the therapeutic level of warfarin is reached.
C. While both heparin and warfarin work to prevent blood clots, they do not directly dissolve existing clots. Rather, they prevent the formation of new clots and the growth of existing ones. This explanation does not fully address the client's question regarding why both medications are necessary.
D. Discontinuing IV heparin prematurely without reaching a therapeutic level of warfarin could increase the risk of thrombus formation or embolization. Therefore, discontinuing IV heparin should be done under the guidance of the provider based on the client's INR levels and the target therapeutic range for warfarin.

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A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes and a new prescription for 14 units of regular insulin and 28 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously at breakfast daily. What is the total number of units of insulin that the nurse should prepare in the insulin syringe?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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