A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the differences between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Drying time is prolonged with a synthetic cast."
"A synthetic cast is lighter."
"A plaster cast weighs less."
"Application of a plaster cast requires specialized equipment."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect. Synthetic casts typically dry much faster than plaster casts. Plaster casts can take 24 to 48 hours to fully harden, while synthetic casts made from materials like fiberglass or plastic can harden within a few hours.
Choice B reason: This is the correct statement. Synthetic casts are indeed lighter than plaster casts. They are made from materials like fiberglass, which is lighter than the traditional plaster of Paris used in plaster casts.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect. Plaster casts are generally heavier than synthetic casts. The weight of a cast can be an important consideration, especially for children or for those who may have difficulty managing a heavier cast.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect. Both plaster and synthetic casts require specialized equipment for application, but it is not specific to plaster casts. The application involves similar steps for both types, including the use of a stockinette, padding, and then the casting material itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Headache can be associated with FES; however, it is not typically considered an early sign. It may occur as a part of the broader spectrum of symptoms.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is one of the earliest signs of FES. Patients may experience shortness of breath due to fat globules obstructing pulmonary vessels.
Choice C reason: Red-brown petechiae, which are small, pinpoint hemorrhages, can appear on the skin and are a classic sign of FES, often found in the axillary region or on the chest.
Choice D reason: Altered mental status, including confusion and drowsiness, can occur early in FES due to fat emboli traveling to the cerebral circulation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decreased neutrophil count is not typically associated with parasitic infections. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that responds to bacterial infections, so a decrease might be seen in viral infections or certain inflammatory conditions, but not specifically indicative of a parasitic infection.
Choice B reason: An elevated eosinophil count is often associated with parasitic infections, especially those involving tissue invasion. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response against parasitic infections. Normal eosinophil counts range from 0 to 500 cells per microliter of blood.
Choice C reason: An increased hemoglobin level is generally not related to the presence of a parasitic infection. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by various conditions, but they do not serve as a specific indicator for parasitic infections.
Choice D reason: An elevated platelet count can occur in various conditions, including inflammatory states and infections, but it is not a specific marker for parasitic infections. Platelets are components of blood that help with clotting and would not be used to differentiate between bacterial and parasitic infections.

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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
