An elderly patient who had a fall at a store is admitted with a potential right hip fracture.
What assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
The left lower extremity is warm to touch.
Bilateral pedal pulses are present and strong.
The patient wiggles their right toes when the sole of the right foot is tickled.
The right leg is externally rotated and shorter than the left.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess all aspects of the patient’s condition, a warm left lower extremity does not necessarily indicate a right hip fracture. It could be related to other conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis.
Choice B rationale
The presence of strong bilateral pedal pulses is a positive sign and does not indicate a hip fracture. It suggests that the patient has good peripheral circulation.
Choice C rationale
The ability to wiggle the toes when the sole of the right foot is tickled does not necessarily indicate a hip fracture. This is a normal response and suggests that the patient has intact sensory and motor function in the foot.
Choice D rationale
A right leg that is externally rotated and shorter than the left is a classic sign of a hip fracture. This occurs because the fracture can cause the femoral head to tilt and rotate outward, making the leg appear shorter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Replacing paper trash bags with plastic biohazard bags is not typically necessary in a mental health unit unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This action would not specifically address the safety needs of a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis16.
Choice B rationale
Removing soft drink cans from the nurse’s desk and patient lounge is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. This action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.
Choice C rationale
Confiscating the patient’s cellular phone and providing a room telephone is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. While some facilities may have policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices, this action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that prescribed medications are securely stored in the room is the correct action. This is a standard safety measure in healthcare settings to prevent medication errors and misuse. It is particularly important for patients with depression who may be at risk for self-harm16.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
.Administer a stool softener: This could be a good option to consider, as the client has not had a bowel movement since the surgery. However, the nurse should first consult with the healthcare provider before administering any new medications.
B.Ask the client about their normal bowel routine: This is a good action to take. Understanding the client’s normal bowel routine can provide valuable context for the current situation.
C.Hold the client’s next meal: This may not be necessary at this point. The client’s regular diet has been ordered by the provider, and there’s no indication of nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms that would necessitate holding meals.
D.Perform a digital rectal exam: This could be considered if there’s a concern about impaction or other complications. However, this should only be done after consulting with the healthcare provider.
E.Discontinue morphine: This is not advisable based on the information provided. The client is reporting uncontrolled pain, and morphine has been ordered by the provider for pain management. Any changes to pain medication should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
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