A nurse is developing a plan of care for a child who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
Lift the traction weights when repositioning the child in bed.
Have the child rate their level of pain ever-8 hr.
Monitor the neurovascular status of the child's lower extremities every 12 hr.
Educate the child's guardians about pin site care prior to discharge.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lift the traction weights when repositioning the child in bed.
This action should not be included in the plan of care because lifting the traction weights can interfere with the traction's effectiveness and potentially cause harm or injury to the child. The weights are specifically calibrated to provide the necessary tension for the traction to stabilize the fracture site.
B. Have the child rate their level of pain every 8 hours.
While pain assessment is an essential component of nursing care, the frequency of every 8 hours may not be sufficient, especially for a child in skeletal traction. Pain management should be more frequent and individualized based on the child's needs, which may vary throughout the day.
C. Monitor the neurovascular status of the child's lower extremities every 12 hours.
Neurovascular assessment is crucial for patients in traction to detect any signs of compromised circulation or nerve function. However, every 12 hours may not be frequent enough to promptly identify changes in neurovascular status. More frequent assessments, such as every 1-2 hours initially and then gradually decreasing based on stability, are typically recommended.
D. Educate the child's guardians about pin site care prior to discharge.
This is the correct answer. Educating the child's guardians about pin site care is essential to prevent infection and other complications associated with skeletal traction. Proper care of the pin sites reduces the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis. Providing education prior to discharge ensures that the guardians are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for the child at home effectively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 4+ deep-tendon reflexes: Deep-tendon reflexes are typically assessed using a scale ranging from 0 to 4+, with 4+ indicating hyperactive reflexes. In a postpartum client, hyperactive deep-tendon reflexes could indicate a potential complication such as preeclampsia or eclampsia, which require immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider promptly.
B. Urine output 2,500 mL/day: A urine output of 2,500 mL/day is within the expected range for a postpartum client and does not require immediate intervention. Adequate urine output is important for assessing renal function and hydration status, but this finding does not indicate an urgent concern.
C. Scant lochia rubra with a few small clots: Scant lochia rubra with small clots is a normal finding in the early postpartum period. Lochia typically progresses from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time. As long as the lochia is not excessive or accompanied by large clots, this finding is not concerning and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
D. Bilateral ankle edema: Mild bilateral ankle edema is common in the postpartum period and is often attributed to hormonal changes and shifts in fluid balance. While the nurse should continue to monitor for signs of worsening edema or other symptoms of preeclampsia, mild edema alone is not typically considered a critical finding requiring immediate reporting to the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A child who has acute epiglottitis and is drooling: Acute epiglottitis is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to airway obstruction and respiratory distress. Drooling is a significant sign of airway compromise in children with epiglottitis due to swelling of the epiglottis. This child requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure airway patency.
B. A child who has mononucleosis and reports severe fatigue: While mononucleosis can cause severe fatigue, it is not an immediate life-threatening condition compared to acute epiglottitis. Assessment and intervention for severe fatigue can be prioritized after addressing the child with potential airway compromise.
C. A child who has Wilms' tumor and an abdominal mass: Wilms' tumor is a type of kidney cancer that typically presents with an abdominal mass. While it requires timely medical intervention, it is not as urgent as acute epiglottitis, which poses a risk of airway obstruction.
D. A child who has a urinary tract infection and bright red blood in their urine: While a urinary tract infection with hematuria requires assessment and treatment, it is not immediately life-threatening compared to acute epiglottitis. Addressing the child with potential airway compromise takes precedence over evaluating and managing hematuria.
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