A client has had a cast applied, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Place an ice pack over the cast.
- B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
- C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
- D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse's priority should be to assess the circulation by palpating the pulse distal to the cast. This is crucial to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could lead to serious complications. Placing an ice pack over the cast, teaching the client about cast care, and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important interventions but should follow the assessment of circulation.
You may also like to solve these questions
A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following should the healthcare provider identify as a manifestation of pulmonary congestion?
- A. Frothy, pink sputum
- B. Jugular vein distention
- C. Weight gain
- D. Bradypnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary congestion is a common manifestation of left-sided heart failure. When the left side of the heart fails, blood backs up into the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion. This can result in symptoms such as frothy, pink-tinged sputum due to the presence of blood in the respiratory secretions. Jugular vein distention, weight gain, and bradypnea are also associated with heart failure, but frothy, pink sputum specifically indicates pulmonary congestion in this scenario.
A healthcare provider is caring for an adolescent who has sickle-cell anemia. Which of the following manifestations indicates acute chest syndrome and should be immediately reported to the provider?
- A. Substernal retractions
- B. Hematuria
- C. Temperature 37.9°C (100.2°F)
- D. Sneezing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Substernal retractions are a concerning sign of respiratory distress and can indicate acute chest syndrome, a severe complication of sickle-cell anemia. It results from vaso-occlusion in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to impaired oxygenation. Prompt reporting of this symptom is crucial for early intervention to prevent further complications. Hematuria, a high temperature, and sneezing are not specific manifestations of acute chest syndrome and would not warrant immediate notification to the provider in this context.
A client is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction that occurred 3 days ago. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Perform an ECG every 12 hours.
- B. Place the client in a supine position while resting.
- C. Draw a troponin level every 4 hours.
- D. Obtain a cardiac rehabilitation consultation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After an acute myocardial infarction, cardiac rehabilitation is crucial for the client's recovery. It helps improve the client's overall cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of future cardiac events, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The other options do not directly address the importance of cardiac rehabilitation in the client's recovery process.
When creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
- A. Allow the client enough time to perform rituals
- B. Give the client autonomy in scheduling activities
- C. Discourage the client from exploring irrational fears
- D. Provide negative reinforcement for ritualistic behaviors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder often feel compelled to perform rituals to alleviate anxiety. Allowing the client enough time to perform these rituals can help reduce their anxiety levels and promote a sense of control. Providing autonomy in scheduling activities can also empower the client and enhance their sense of independence. Discouraging exploration of irrational fears may increase anxiety and worsen symptoms. Negative reinforcement for ritualistic behaviors is not recommended as it can be counterproductive and reinforce the behavior.
When caring for a client who is on contact precautions, which of the following measures should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Remove the protective gown after leaving the client's room.
- B. Place the client in a room with negative pressure.
- C. Wear gloves when providing care to the client.
- D. Wear a mask when in the client's room.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contact precautions are used for clients with known or suspected infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact. The most important measure for healthcare workers when caring for a client on contact precautions is to wear gloves when providing care. This helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents between the client and the healthcare worker. Removing the protective gown after leaving the client's room, placing the client in a room with negative pressure, and wearing a mask when in the client's room are not specific to contact precautions and may not be necessary for all clients on contact precautions.