The nurse is caring for an infant with a hip spica cast who has just returned from surgery. Which nursing action will be priority for this patient?
Palpating a brachial pulse.
Assessing bilateral radial pulses.
Auscultating the heart rate apically.
Checking capillary refill in the toes.
The Correct Answer is D
Hip spica casts are typically used to immobilize the hip joint and are often used in the management of hip dysplasia or after surgery. These casts can cause restricted mobility and limit blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to complications such as swelling, decreased circulation, or pressure sores.
Checking capillary refill in the toes is a critical nursing intervention to assess for the presence of adequate circulation and blood flow to the affected limb. If capillary refill is slow or absent, it may indicate compromised circulation and require immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Palpating a brachial pulse, assessing bilateral radial pulses, or auscultating the heart rate apically are not the priority nursing actions for an infant with a hip spica cast. While monitoring vital signs and circulation are important components of nursing care, the priority at this stage is to assess and manage the immediate postoperative needs of the patient, including monitoring for potential complications related to the hip spica cast.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Notify the surgeon that the informed consent process is not complete.The nurse should inform the surgeon because the surgeon is responsible for ensuring that the patient has adequate information and understands the procedure. It is not appropriate for the nurse to proceed with the consent process if the patient has questions or uncertainties.
B. Notify the operating room nurse to give a more complete explanation of the procedure.While the operating room nurse plays a role in the surgical process, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to provide a complete explanation of the procedure.
C. Provide a thorough explanation of the planned surgical procedure.While it’s important to provide information, the nurse is not authorized to explain the surgical procedure in detail. The surgeon should explain the surgery, as they have the training and knowledge to address all aspects of the procedure and answer any specific questions.
D. Give the prescribed preoperative antibiotics and withhold sedative medications.Administering preoperative medications, including antibiotics, without completed informed consent would be inappropriate. The patient must fully understand the procedure and consent to it before any medications are given.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as adrenal crisis, is characterized by low levels of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. One of the primary manifestations of adrenal insufficiency is electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium). Inadequate cortisol levels can lead to impaired sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in sodium loss and low serum sodium levels.
When the patient receives appropriate therapies for acute adrenal insufficiency, such as administration of glucocorticoids (e.g., hydrocortisone), the cortisol levels begin to normalize. As a result, the impaired sodium reabsorption improves, leading to an increase in serum sodium levels.
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