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 A
Explanation
A. Contact the assigned emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway
Explanation:
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to airway obstruction. The classic signs and symptoms include a high fever, difficulty swallowing, voice hoarseness, inspiratory stridor, and sternal retractions. Immediate intervention may be necessary to secure the airway. Therefore, contacting the emergency room physician to evaluate the need for an advanced airway (such as intubation) is a priority.
B. Administer intravenous corticosteroids
Explanation: While corticosteroids may be used in the management of epiglottitis to reduce airway inflammation, securing the airway is the priority in the acute phase. Corticosteroids would typically be administered after securing the airway.
C. Obtain a throat culture
Explanation: Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate priority in the case of suspected epiglottitis. Prompt intervention to secure the airway takes precedence over diagnostic tests.
D. Inspect the throat to obtain further data to support the diagnosis
Explanation: Direct visualization of the throat (inspection) may exacerbate the airway obstruction and is not recommended in the acute management of suspected epiglottitis. The priority is to secure the airway while minimizing agitation and discomfort for the child. Diagnostic procedures, such as obtaining a throat culture, can be considered after the airway is stabilized.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Valley fever
Explanation: Valley fever is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus. It is not related to tinea pedis.
B. Shingles
Explanation: Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is not related to tinea pedis.
C. Fever blister
Explanation: A fever blister is another term for a cold sore, typically caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is not related to tinea pedis, which is a fungal infection of the feet.
D. "Athlete's foot"
Explanation:
Tinea pedis is commonly known as athlete's foot. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, particularly the spaces between the toes. The condition is often associated with warm and moist environments, such as those found in athletic shoes, hence the term "athlete's foot."
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