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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client's heart rate increases by 10/min: An increase in heart rate upon changing positions may occur as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure, but it is not indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a decrease in blood pressure upon assuming an upright position.
B. The client's systolic blood pressure decreases by 25 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more, within 3 minutes of standing up from a supine position. Therefore, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 25 mm Hg upon changing positions is consistent with orthostatic hypotension.
C. The client's diastolic blood pressure increases by 10 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension typically involves a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure upon assuming an upright position. An increase in diastolic blood pressure is not consistent with orthostatic hypotension.
D. The client reports heart palpitations: Heart palpitations may occur due to various reasons, such as anxiety or cardiac arrhythmias, but they are not specific to orthostatic hypotension. While orthostatic hypotension may cause symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness, heart palpitations are not typically associated with this condition.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
C. Obtain a client's vital signs every 4 hr:
This task can typically be delegated to assistive personnel (AP) who have been trained and deemed competent in measuring vital signs. Routine monitoring of vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, is within the scope of practice for AP and does not require the specialized skills of a licensed nurse.
D. Record a client's intake after each meal:
Assistive personnel can be delegated the task of recording a client's intake after each meal. This involves documenting the amount and type of food and fluids consumed by the client. While assessment of intake may involve some judgment, AP can be trained to perform this task accurately and consistently.
E. Transfer a client to physical therapy:
Assistive personnel can assist with transferring clients to physical therapy sessions. This may include tasks such as assisting clients into a wheelchair or onto a stretcher and accompanying them to the therapy area. While ensuring client safety during transfers is crucial, AP can perform these tasks under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing staff or physical therapists.
A. Instruct a client on the use of an incentive spirometer:
Teaching clients how to use medical equipment, such as an incentive spirometer, typically requires specialized knowledge and skills that fall within the scope of practice of licensed nursing staff. Therefore, this task should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
B. Insert an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings:
Inserting an NG tube is a specialized nursing skill that requires training, expertise, and an understanding of anatomy, proper technique, and potential complications. This task should only be performed by licensed nursing staff, such as registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who have received appropriate education and training.
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