A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a fracture of the right tibia and a fiberglass cast. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.
Avoid moving the affected leg.
Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast.
Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reporting any worsening or unrelieved pain is important because increasing or unrelieved pain could indicate complications such as inadequate immobilization, pressure sores, or compartment syndrome. Prompt reporting allows for timely intervention and prevention of further complications
B. Movement of the affected leg could disrupt the alignment of the bones and impede the healing process. Immobilization is essential for bone healing in a fiberglass cast. However, reporting features of compartment syndrome is priority.
C. Patients should be advised not to insert anything under the cast and instead use other methods such as blowing cool air under the cast or gently tapping on the outside of the cast to relieve itching.
D. Using a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting can help speed up the drying process of the cast after it gets wet. However, it's important to ensure that the heat is not too high to avoid causing burns or softening the cast material excessively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Methamphetamine use can cause significant cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Given the patient's presentation with an irregular heart rate and tachycardia, continuous cardiac monitoring through an ECG is essential to assess for any life-threatening arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.
A. Reorientation is important for patients who are disoriented, but in the case of a patient who has admitted to using methamphetamine and is exhibiting signs of agitation and tachycardia, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and stabilize their condition.
C. While providing a calm environment is beneficial for patients who are agitated, it is not the most important action in this scenario.
D. Obtaining a comprehensive health history, including prior drug use, is important for understanding the patient's background and potential risk factors. However, in this acute situation where the patient is disoriented, agitated, and exhibiting signs of cardiovascular distress, the priority is to address the immediate medical needs and stabilize the patient's condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Repositioning the client regularly is an important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers and pressure points, especially when the client is immobilized in traction. Repositioning helps distribute pressure evenly on different areas of the body, reducing the risk of tissue ischemia and pressure-related injuries around the edges of the splint.
A. Lotions or moisturizers can increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection, especially when applied under medical devices such as splints or casts.
C. Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not necessary to prevent pressure points around the edges of the splint. Balanced skeletal traction is typically applied to maintain continuous traction force on the fractured femur for therapeutic purposes.
D. Applying a foot plate to the bed is not directly related to preventing pressure points around the edges of the splint. Foot plates are typically used to prevent foot drop and maintain proper alignment of the foot and ankle joints.
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