The nurse is planning preoperative care for a client who has a fractured wrist. Which of the following should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Choice A reason:
Difficulty with abduction of the arm at the shoulder is a common finding in clients with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate its movement. When these muscles or tendons are injured, movements such as lifting the arm away from the body (abduction) can become painful and difficult.

Choice B reason:
Alteration in the contour of the joint is not typically associated with a rotator cuff injury. This finding is more indicative of conditions that cause changes in the bone structure, such as arthritis or dislocation.

Choice C reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, particularly in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not a test used to assess rotator cuff injuries.

Choice D reason:
A negative drop arm test would suggest that the client does not have a rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by having the client lift the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the client can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the client cannot control the descent of the arm, would indicate a rotator cuff injury.

Choice A reason:
Telling a client that they will be at an increased risk of breast cancer due to fibrocystic breast changes would be incorrect. Fibrocystic breast changes are not directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. While the presence of complex fibrocystic changes may slightly elevate the risk, fibrocystic breasts themselves are a common and benign condition.

Choice B reason:
It is not accurate to say that the manifestations of fibrocystic breasts often get worse after menopause. In fact, fibrocystic changes are related to hormone levels, and most women experience relief from these symptoms after menopause when hormone levels decline.

Choice C reason:
Stating that menopause won't have any effect on the manifestations is also incorrect. Menopause typically leads to a decrease in hormone levels, which are associated with fibrocystic breast changes. Therefore, most women see an improvement in their symptoms after menopause.

Choice D reason:
The most appropriate response is that the manifestations usually go away after menopause. Fibrocystic breast changes are linked to hormonal fluctuations, and after menopause, when these fluctuations cease, the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts typically resolve.