A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who is going home with a cast on his leg. What teaching point would be appropriate for the nurse to emphasize in the teaching session?

Report any pain that is uncontrolled by elevating the affected limb or by analgesic agents

May use intermittent heat packs as prescribed to control swelling

A small hair brush may be used to control any itching under the cast

Keep the affected extremity below the level of the heart to prevent swelling

Inspect the cast daily for cracks, breaks, or signs of infection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Reporting any pain that is uncontrolled by elevating the affected limb or by analgesic agents is an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may indicate a serious complication such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. The nurse should instruct the client to notify the health care provider immediately if the pain persists or worsens.

Choice B reason: Using intermittent heat packs as prescribed to control swelling is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may increase the blood flow and inflammation in the affected area. The nurse should advise the client to avoid heat sources such as heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets, as they may also damage the cast or cause burns.

Choice C reason: Using a small hair brush to control any itching under the cast is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may cause skin irritation, infection, or damage to the cast. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cool air dryer, a gentle tapping, or an antihistamine to relieve the itching, and to avoid inserting any objects under the cast.

Choice D reason: Keeping the affected extremity below the level of the heart to prevent swelling is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it may impair the venous return and increase the edema. The nurse should recommend the client to elevate the affected extremity above the level of the heart to reduce the swelling and promote the healing.

Choice E reason: Inspecting the cast daily for cracks, breaks, or signs of infection is not an appropriate teaching point for the nurse to emphasize, as it is not a specific or relevant instruction for the client with a cast on his leg. The nurse should teach the client to keep the cast dry and clean, to cover it with a plastic bag when showering or bathing, and to report any foul odor, drainage, or fever.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering pain medication as ordered is not the best action, as it does not address the cause of the new onset of pain. The nurse should first assess the client and the surgical site to rule out any complications or problems that may require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Assessing the client for signs and symptoms of systemic infection is not the best action, as it is not the most likely cause of the new onset of pain. Systemic infection would manifest with fever, chills, malaise, or leukocytosis, which are not mentioned in the scenario. The nurse should focus on the local signs and symptoms of the surgical site and the affected extremity.

Choice C reason: Assessing the surgical site and the affected extremity is the best action, as it allows the nurse to identify any potential complications or problems that may explain the new onset of pain. The nurse should look for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, hematoma, or dislocation of the hip prosthesis, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, bruising, or deformity.

Choice D reason: Reassuring the client that pain is a direct result of increased activity is not the best action, as it may dismiss the client's concern and delay the detection of any serious complications or problems. The nurse should not assume that the pain is normal or expected, but rather investigate the cause and severity of the pain.

Choice E reason: Notifying the surgeon immediately is not the best action, as it is premature and unnecessary without first assessing the client and the surgical site. The nurse should gather relevant data and information before contacting the surgeon, unless there is an obvious or urgent problem that requires immediate attention.

A. Grouped vesicles on the genitalia B. Hematoma on upper right arm C. Group of vesicles in linear patches along the spinal nerves D. Group of vesicles occurring on the lips and oral mucous membranes E. None of the above

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Grouped vesicles on the genitalia are not a typical presentation of shingles, but a sign of genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a different type of herpes virus.

Choice B reason: Hematoma on upper right arm is not a common presentation of shingles, but a sign of bleeding or bruising under the skin, which may be caused by trauma, injury, or coagulation disorders.

Choice C reason: Group of vesicles in linear patches along the spinal nerves is a classic presentation of shingles, as it indicates the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in childhood and remains dormant in the nerve cells. The virus can cause a painful rash that follows the distribution of the affected nerves, usually on one side of the body.

Choice D reason: Group of vesicles occurring on the lips and oral mucous membranes are not a characteristic presentation of shingles, but a sign of oral herpes, which is a common infection caused by a different type of herpes virus.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the presentation of shingles

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who is going home with a cast on his leg. What teaching point would be appropriate for the nurse to emphasize in the teaching session?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a total hip replacement is progressing well and expects to be discharged tomorrow. On returning to bed after ambulating, he complains of a new onset of pain at the surgical site. What is the nurse's best action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client comes to the clinic reporting a red rash of small, fluid-filled blisters and is suspected of having shingles. What presentation is most consistent with this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to educate a client at risk for developing osteoporosis on the importance of increasing calcium in the diet. Which are the best foods to include in the teaching plan when educating a client on increased calcium intake?

The nurse has arrived for the scheduled shift. After receiving bedside report and making the initial rounds on the assigned clients, which client should the nurse plan to care for first?

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with psoriasis. The nurse is creating an education plan for the client. What information should be included in this plan?

A nurse is working with a client who was recently diagnosed with asthma. During the current session, the nurse teaches the client to administer a bronchodilator by metered-dose inhaler. How should the nurse evaluate the teaching-learning process?

A client with severe osteoarthritis has been treated with total hip replacement. Which intervention will the nurse implement to help protect against the risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?

A client with a recent diagnosis of scabies will need what education?

The nurse is providing care for a client who has just been diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). What assessment finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?

The student nurse is preparing a presentation on parasitic skin infestations. What should the student include in the presentation?