The nurse is caring for a child who has had a unilateral long-leg cast applied for the correction of club foot.
What is the most important action for the nurse to perform?
Monitor the capillary refill of the toes.
Compare the temperature of both legs.
Observe for spontaneous movement.
Check the femoral pulses.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the capillary refill of the toes is crucial when a child has a long-leg cast applied. This is because it helps assess the adequacy of circulation to the foot, which can be compromised by the cast. If the capillary refill is delayed (more than 2 seconds), it could indicate poor blood flow to the area, which could lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis.
Choice B rationale
Comparing the temperature of both legs can provide information about circulation and inflammation. However, it is not the most important action in this case. While a significant difference in temperature could indicate a problem, it is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice C rationale
Observing for spontaneous movement can provide information about nerve function. If the child is not moving the toes, it could indicate nerve damage. However, lack of movement could also be due to discomfort from the cast and is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice D rationale
Checking the femoral pulses can provide information about circulation to the leg. However, the femoral pulse is proximal to the cast and may not accurately reflect circulation to the foot. Therefore, it is not the most important action in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. While it can have serious implications for the mother and baby, it is not directly linked to the development of spina bifida occulta in the newborn.
Choice B rationale
Tobacco use during pregnancy can lead to several complications, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and certain birth defects. However, it is not identified as a significant risk factor for spina bifida occulta.
Choice C rationale
Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a well-known risk factor for neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Spina bifida occulta is a mild form of spina bifida caused by a gap forming between the vertebrae in the spinal cord during fetal development. Adequate intake of folic acid, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, can help prevent such defects.
Choice D rationale
Short interval pregnancy refers to pregnancies that are closely spaced. While they can lead to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, they are not directly associated with an increased risk of spina bifida occulta.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure variance across extremities is not typically associated with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure in a toddler.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension is not a typical finding in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is a common symptom in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body.
Choice D rationale
While a pulse oximetry reading within defined limits is ideal, it is not a typical finding in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure.
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