A nurse is planning care for a client who has a radial fracture and a newly placed short arm cast on the left arm. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
The client requires assistance with getting dressed.
The client reports numbness of the fingers of the left hand.
The client reports itching of the left arm.
The client has a pillow under their left arm.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: While requiring assistance with getting dressed is an important consideration in care planning, it is not the most immediate priority. The nurse should ensure that the client's basic needs are met, but this does not represent an acute medical concern.
Choice B reason: The client reporting numbness of the fingers of the left hand is the most urgent priority. Numbness can indicate neurovascular compromise or increased pressure within the cast, which could lead to further injury or complications such as compartment syndrome. Immediate assessment and intervention are required to prevent permanent damage.
Choice C reason: Itching of the left arm under the cast is a common complaint and can be uncomfortable for the client. However, it is not a priority over potential neurovascular compromise. The nurse can provide education on how to safely alleviate itching without compromising the integrity of the cast.
Choice D reason: Having a pillow under the left arm is part of proper positioning to reduce swelling and provide comfort. While it is a part of good nursing care, it is not a priority over signs of neurovascular compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Petechiae on the chest are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including infections. However, they are not a common finding in meningitis. Meningitis typically presents with symptoms related to inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical symptom of meningitis. While meningitis can affect various bodily functions, the classic symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness, not changes in heart rate.
Choice C reason: Intermittent headache could be associated with meningitis, but the headaches that accompany meningitis are usually constant and severe due to the inflammation of the meninges. They are not typically described as intermittent.
Choice D reason: Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common finding in meningitis. The inflammation of the meninges can lead to an increased sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain when the patient is exposed to bright lights. This symptom, along with headache, neck stiffness, and fever, helps to distinguish meningitis from other conditions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1C, reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is a crucial indicator of long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that the A1C level be checked at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and have stable glycemic control. An A1C level below 7% is generally considered good control, and achieving this target can reduce microvascular complications of diabetes.
Choice B reason: Postprandial blood glucose levels indicate the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal. While it's an important measure, it reflects only the immediate response to food intake and does not provide information about long-term glycemic control.
Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose levels measure the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes but is less effective than the A1C test for monitoring long-term glycemic control.
Choice D reason: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. This test is primarily used for diagnosing diabetes and gestational diabetes, not for long-term monitoring.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.