A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has an external fixation device in place to treat an open fracture of the tibia and fibula. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Apply 4.5 kg (10 lb) traction weight to the distal end of the fixator.
Monitor the neurovascular status of the client's affected limb every 8 hr.
Administer pain medication 30 min prior to pin care.
Adjust the clamps on the device's frame daily.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Applying traction weight to the external fixator is not recommended, as it can cause excessive stress on the pins and wires, leading to complications such as infection, loosening, or breakage1. Traction is usually applied to skeletal pins that are inserted into the bone without an external frame2.
Choice B rationale: Monitoring the neurovascular status of the affected limb is important, but every 8 hours is not frequent enough. The nurse should perform neurovascular checks every 2 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 4 to 8 hours, according to the facility policy3. This is to assess for signs of nerve damage, compartment syndrome, or impaired circulation, which can result from the injury or the device.
Choice C rationale: Administering pain medication 30 min prior to pin care is a correct intervention, as it can help reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure. Pin care involves cleaning the pin sites with an antiseptic solution and applying sterile dressings to prevent infection and promote healing. The frequency and technique of pin care may vary depending on the type of device, the condition of the wound, and the facility protocol.
Choice D rationale: Adjusting the clamps on the device’s frame daily is not a nursing intervention, as it can alter the alignment and stability of the fracture. The clamps should be tightened only by the orthopedic surgeon or a trained technician, and only when necessary. The nurse should inspect the device for any loose or broken parts and report any problems to the surgeon.
So, the correct answer is Choice C, after analysing all choices.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ginkgo biloba is a herb that can interact with enoxaparin and increase the risk of bleeding, so the nurse should report its use to the provider. The other options, A (Echinacea), B (Flaxseed powder), and C (Probiotics) do not have any known interactions with enoxaparin, so they do not need to be reported to the provider.
Reasons, why the other choices are not answers, are:
A. Echinacea is a herb that is commonly used to boost the immune system and has not been found to interact with enoxaparin.
B. Flaxseed powder is a dietary supplement that is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and has not been found to interact with enoxaparin.
C. Probiotics are live bacteria that can be found in certain foods or supplements, and they have not been found to interact with enoxaparin.
In summary, the nurse should report the use of Ginkgo biloba to the provider, as it can interact with enoxaparin and increase the risk of bleeding. Echinacea, Flaxseed powder, and Probiotics do not have any known interactions with enoxaparin, so they do not need to be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, herpes zoster. A 65-year-old client should receive the herpes zoster vaccine, which is recommended for adults over the age of 60 years to prevent shingles. Choice A is incorrect because inactivated polio virus vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas where polio is endemic or epidemic, and for laboratory workers who handle specimens containing poliovirus. Choice C is incorrect because the human papillomavirus vaccine is recommended for females aged 9-26 years and males aged 9-21 years. Choice D is incorrect because the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is recommended for individuals born after 1957 who have not had the vaccine or the diseases.
Choice A: Inactivated polio virus vaccine is incorrect because it is recommended for travelers to areas where polio is endemic or epidemic, and for laboratory workers who handle specimens containing poliovirus.
Choice C: Human papillomavirus vaccine is incorrect because it is recommended for females aged 9-26 years and males aged 9-21 years.
Choice D: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is incorrect because it is recommended for individuals born after 1957 who have not had the vaccine or the diseases.
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