A patient comes into the clinic where you are working for a follow-up visit after breaking her ankle. She has been using crutches for the past 2 weeks and is complaining of pain and tingling in her forearms and hands. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
- A. Poor crutch fit causing nerve compression.
- B. Muscle strain from overuse.
- C. Infection from crutch use.
- D. Poor circulation due to immobility.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain and tingling in the forearms and hands are likely due to poor crutch fit, causing pressure on nerves (e.g., radial or ulnar nerve compression). Muscle strain, infection, or circulation issues are less likely causes.
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Explain the purpose of an abduction pillow.
- A. To maintain hip alignment post-surgery.
- B. To elevate the legssome text missing legs.
- C. To reduce pain during movement.
- D. To support the back during recovery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An abduction pillow maintains hip alignment post-surgery (e.g., hip replacement) to prevent dislocation. It does not primarily elevate legs, reduce pain, or support the back.
Which of the following would you include when you teach a patient about using a cane?
- A. Hold the cane on your affected side.
- B. Move the unaffected leg and the cane together, and then move the affected leg.
- C. Lean to the side the cane is on for best support.
- D. Hold the cane on the unaffected side, move it with the unaffected leg, then move the affected leg.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The cane is held on the unaffected side, moved with the unaffected leg, then followed by the affected leg for proper support and balance.
A patient came to the ER complaining of pain in her elbow after a fall. The x-ray shows fractured ulna at the olecranon process. There is also a suspected fracture of the radius. Which diagnostic test would be most helpful in determining a complete diagnosis?
- A. CT scan
- B. MRI
- C. Bone scan
- D. Electromyelogram
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A CT scan provides detailed imaging of bones, making it ideal for confirming suspected fractures like the radius fracture. MRI is better for soft tissue, bone scans for bone activity, and electromyelograms assess nerve function.
You are caring for a patient who had a partial knee replacement 2 days ago. She has orders for CPM for 2 hours four times per day at 35 degrees of flexion. Which would concern you the most?
- A. The patient's leg and the CPM machine are in alignment with the rest of the patient's body.
- B. The patient complains of severe pain with each flexion of the knee.
- C. The patient is using relaxation breathing to prevent tensing of the leg muscles while on the CPM machine.
- D. The platform of the CPM machine is centered beneath the patient's knee.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe pain during CPM use suggests potential complications (e.g., improper settings or joint issues), requiring immediate assessment. Other options indicate proper use or management.
A patient has a quarter-size amount of drainage on her cast. The next day the amount of drainage has increased to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The nurse would be most concerned about
- A. Swelling beneath the cast.
- B. Neurovascular impairment.
- C. Infection under the cast.
- D. Placing tape petals over the edges of the cast.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing drainage on a cast suggests possible infection, requiring immediate attention. Swelling or neurovascular issues are less directly tied to drainage.
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