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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
While gargling with warm saline can provide symptomatic relief for a sore throat, it does not address the underlying bacterial infection. Therefore, it is not the priority action once a diagnosis of group A streptococcus has been confirmed.

Choice B reason:
Identifying close contacts is important for public health tracking and potentially preventing the spread of the infection. However, the immediate priority for the client is the initiation of treatment to address the infection.

Choice C reason:
Taking antipyretics can help manage fever and provide comfort to the client. While managing symptoms is important, it is secondary to initiating antibiotic therapy, which addresses the cause of the symptoms.

Choice D reason:
The priority action is to notify the client to return to the clinic for initiation of antibiotic therapy. Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Prompt initiation of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery.

A. Apply a foot plate to the bed. B. Reposition the client to keep him from staying in the same position in bed. C. Remove the weights for a few minutes each hour. D. Apply lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Applying a foot plate to the bed is not primarily intended to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint. A foot plate can help in maintaining proper alignment and preventing foot drop, but it does not address the issue of pressure points caused by the splint.

Choice B reason:
Repositioning the client is a key intervention to prevent pressure points. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can ensure that no single area is under prolonged pressure, which could lead to skin breakdown and pressure sores. This is particularly important in clients with limited mobility due to skeletal traction.

Choice C reason:
Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not a standard practice for preventing pressure points in balanced skeletal traction. The weights are integral to maintaining the necessary pull on the fractured femur, and their removal could disrupt the traction setup and potentially affect fracture healing.

Choice D reason:
Applying lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint is not recommended as it could soften the skin and make it more susceptible to injury. Instead, padding and proper positioning are used to protect the skin from the hard edges of the splint.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client whose throat culture is positive for group A streptococcus 24 hours after a rapid strep test (RST) was negative. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for balanced skeletal traction with a Thomas splint for the treatment of a fractured femur. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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