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 B
Explanation
B. Pallor of the toes indicates compromised blood flow and is the earliest sign of circulatory impairment due to tightness of the cast.
A. Inability to move toes may be a sign of tightness in the cast, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.
C. Change in temperature of the toes may be a sign of impaired circulation, but it is not the earliest finding to be expected.
D. Edema of the toes may occur as a result of compromised circulation, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. The client’s laboratory values are all within normal range. It is therefore, safe for the nurse to proceed with preparation for theatre.
A. Notifying the provider immediately is a preferred action in the case of any abnormal laboratory values of concern.
B. Questioning on the recent infection would be relevant if the white blood count is elevated which is not the case in this scenario.
D. The client’s hemoglobin is within normal range and therefore, no need for transfusion at this point.
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