The nurse prepares a list of home care instructions for the parents of a child who has a plaster cast applied to the left forearm. Which instructions would be included on the list? Select all that apply.
Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.
Place a heating pad on the lower end of the cast and over the fingers if the fingers feel cold.
Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Use a padded ruler or another padded object to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
Use the fingertips to lift the cast while it is drying
Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) If the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity
Correct Answer : A,C,F
A. Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.
Explanation: Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling, especially in the initial period after casting.
B. Place a heating pad on the lower end of the cast and over the fingers if the fingers feel cold.
Explanation: Applying heat can increase the risk of burns and is not recommended. If the fingers feel cold, it may indicate a circulation issue, and the healthcare provider should be contacted.
C. Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Explanation: Keeping small toys and sharp objects away from the cast is important to prevent injury or damage to the cast.
D. Use a padded ruler or another padded object to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
Explanation: Inserting objects under the cast can lead to complications, including skin damage or infection. It is advisable not to insert anything into the cast.
E. Use the fingertips to lift the cast while it is drying.
Explanation: Lifting or manipulating the cast during the drying process can compromise its integrity and should be avoided. The cast needs to dry completely to provide proper support and immobilization.
F. Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) if the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity.
Explanation: Numbness or tingling can indicate a circulation problem, and it is important to contact the healthcare provider for further assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Has your child been exposed to anyone with chicken pox?"
While chickenpox is caused by a different virus (varicella-zoster virus) and is not directly linked to rheumatic fever, the nurse might inquire about exposure to contagious illnesses as a general part of the assessment.
B. "Has any family member had a sore throat within the past few weeks?"
This question is relevant because rheumatic fever often follows an untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. A sore throat in a family member could indicate the presence of streptococcal infection, which is a crucial factor in the development of rheumatic fever.
C. "Has any family member had a gastrointestinal disorder in the past few weeks?"
Gastrointestinal disorders are not directly associated with the development of rheumatic fever. However, a comprehensive medical history might include questions about recent illnesses to understand the overall health context.
D. "Has your child had difficulty urinating?"
Difficulty urinating is not a typical symptom or risk factor associated with rheumatic fever. This symptom would likely prompt investigation into other potential issues but is not specifically related to rheumatic fever.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Heat intolerance
Explanation:
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism, meaning there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms of Graves' disease include heat intolerance, increased sweating, weight loss, palpitations, and anxiety. The hyperactivity of the thyroid gland leads to an increased metabolic rate, causing heat intolerance.
B. Bradycardia
Explanation: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with Graves' disease. Hyperthyroidism usually leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) due to the stimulatory effects of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system.
C. Lethargy
Explanation: Lethargy (excessive tiredness or lack of energy) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where there is an insufficient production of thyroid hormones. In Graves' disease, the excess thyroid hormones often lead to symptoms of hyperactivity, not lethargy.
D. Weight gain
Explanation: Weight gain is not a typical finding in Graves' disease. Hyperthyroidism often leads to unintentional weight loss due to increased metabolism and energy expenditure. Weight gain is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism.
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