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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This description accurately reflects a greenstick fracture. In a greenstick fracture, the bone is partially fractured, typically on one side, while the other side remains intact. It is often compared to the way a green stick bends but does not break completely.
This description is more characteristic of a comminuted fracture, where the bone breaks into multiple fragments that may displace or splinter into the surrounding tissue.
This description is indicative of an impacted fracture, where the bone ends are driven into each other, often due to a compressive force.
This description is characteristic of an open or compound fracture, where the broken bone penetrates the skin and is exposed to the external environment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Excessive thyroid hormone replacement therapy, leading to hyperthyroidism, can accelerate bone turnover and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Hyperthyroidism can disrupt normal bone remodeling processes, leading to decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.
A. NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. While short-term or occasional use of NSAIDs is generally safe, long-term use or high doses of NSAIDs may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
B. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, are medications used to prevent blood clot formation. While anticoagulants themselves are not directly associated with osteoporosis risk, prolonged immobilization due to conditions requiring anticoagulation therapy (such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone loss due to decreased weight- bearing activity.
C. Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are medications used to treat heart failure and certain cardiac arrhythmias. There is no direct evidence to suggest that cardiac glycosides themselves are a risk factor for osteoporosis.
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