The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a compound fracture of the right tibia/fibula postoperative ORIF (open reduction internal fixation). A complete assessment of the affected extremity would include:
Capillary refill, color of extremity.
Pedal pulses.
ACE wrap, Velcro boot, and hanging weights.
Pin sites.
Temperature, sensation, and movement of toes.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice a reason:
Assessing capillary refill and the color of the extremity is essential for determining the vascular status of the limb. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds and indicates good blood flow. The color should be consistent with the rest of the body, without pallor or cyanosis, which could indicate compromised circulation.
Choice b reason:
Checking pedal pulses is another critical aspect of assessing vascular integrity. The presence of strong and equal pulses in both feet suggests that the blood supply to the lower extremities is not compromised.
Choice c reason:
While the ACE wrap and Velcro boot are part of the postoperative management to provide support and protection to the affected limb, and hanging weights might be used for traction, these are not part of the physiological assessment of the extremity.
Choice d reason:
Monitoring pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is crucial in a client with ORIF. Infection can lead to complications that may affect the healing process and the integrity of the fixation.
Choice e reason:
Evaluating the temperature, sensation, and movement of toes helps in assessing for potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome. Any changes in these parameters should be reported immediately as they may signify serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
A creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL falls within the normal range for adults, which is typically 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates normal kidney function and is not a cause for immediate intervention post-operatively.
Choice B Reason
A potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is generally between 3.6 and 5.2 mEq/L. This level indicates a stable electrolyte balance and is not a cause for immediate concern following shoulder replacement surgery.
Choice C Reason
A white blood cell (WBC) count of 9,000 mm³ is within the normal range, which typically spans from 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per mm³. This suggests there is no active infection or inflammation that requires immediate intervention.
Choice D Reason
A hemoglobin level of 7.1 g/dL is considered low, as the normal range for adult males is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL and for adult females is 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL. Low hemoglobin can indicate anemia, which may be due to blood loss during surgery or other underlying conditions. This requires immediate intervention to address potential oxygenation issues and determine the cause of the anemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Increased urine output is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used primarily to relieve chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, not to influence urine production.
Choice B Reason
Asking the client if their chest pain has been relieved is the most direct method of evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin. Relief of chest pain indicates that the medication is working as intended, reducing the ischemia that causes angina.
Choice C Reason
While taking the client's blood pressure is important, especially since nitroglycerin can cause hypotension, it is not the primary method for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication in relieving angina. Blood pressure measurements are more of a safety check to monitor for adverse effects.
Choice D Reason
Ambulation and assessing for the absence of dyspnea can be part of an overall evaluation of the client's cardiovascular status, but they are not specific to evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina relief. Dyspnea may be a symptom of heart failure or other conditions, not specifically angina pectoris.
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