A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a Plaster of Paris walking cast on his left lower leg. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
There is no need to cover the cast when showering.
Apply ice to your foot after walking.
A musty odor is normal as the cast ages.
Report any numbness or pain in your toes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
It is important to keep a Plaster of Paris cast dry because moisture can weaken the cast and irritate the skin underneath. Therefore, the cast should be covered while showering to prevent it from getting wet.
Choice B reason:
Applying ice to the foot after walking can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It is a common recommendation for managing discomfort associated with a walking cast. The ice should be applied over the cast at the level of the injury for 15-30 minutes, repeating every few hours for the first few days.
Choice C reason:
While a musty odor can develop over time due to sweat and lack of air circulation, it is not necessarily normal and could indicate a problem such as an infection. If there is a persistent unpleasant odor, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
Numbness or pain in the toes can be a sign of compromised circulation or nerve compression and should be reported immediately. It is crucial to monitor for any changes in sensation or increased pain, as these could indicate a serious issue that requires medical attention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the leg under a heat lamp every 3 hours is not recommended for the treatment of cellulitis. Heat lamps can cause burns and excessive drying of the skin, which may worsen the condition.
Choice B reason:
Wrapping a warm, wet towel around the affected area is a safe and effective way to apply heat therapy for cellulitis. It can help improve blood flow and relieve discomfort without the risk of burns associated with dry heat sources.
Choice C reason:
Using a heating pad directly on the skin, especially when lying down, can increase the risk of burns and is not recommended for treating cellulitis. Heating pads can provide uneven heat and may exacerbate swelling and inflammation.
Choice D reason:
Soaking the leg in water is not typically advised for cellulitis, especially if there are open wounds or breaks in the skin. Immersion in water can introduce new bacteria to the affected area and potentially worsen the infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Clay-colored stools are typically associated with issues in the biliary system, such as bile duct obstruction or liver infections, and not directly with aspirin use. Aspirin does not typically cause a change in stool color unless there is gastrointestinal bleeding, which would more likely result in black, tarry stools.
Choice B reason:
Nystagmus, which is a vision condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements, is not a known side effect of aspirin. This condition is more commonly associated with neurological disorders, certain medications, or alcohol intoxication.
Choice C reason:
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a recognized adverse effect of aspirin, especially when taken in high doses or for a prolonged period. It occurs due to aspirin's effect on the inner ear's cochlear cells and can be a sign of salicylate toxicity.
Choice D reason:
Respiratory depression is not a typical side effect of aspirin. Aspirin can cause respiratory alkalosis in cases of overdose, but it does not depress respiration. Instead, it may cause hyperventilation due to stimulation of the respiratory center in the brain.
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