Nokea
A patient has a fresh plaster cast applied to the left leg from the thigh to the ankle. How will you prevent complications as the cast dries?
- A. Elevate the leg and monitor for swelling or neurovascular issues.
- B. Apply heat to speed drying.
- C. Keep the cast covered to prevent contamination.
- D. Allow the patient to bear weight to test cast integrity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the leg and monitoring for swelling or neurovascular issues prevents complications like compartment syndrome. Heat, covering the cast, or weight-bearing could worsen outcomes.
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What patient teaching will you do for the patient described in Question 29?
- A. Teach the patient to use a straightened coat hanger padded with gauze to scratch under the cast.
- B. Instruct the patient to use a blow dryer to blow cool air under the cast to relieve itching.
- C. Explain how epidermal cells shed, then build up under the cast, causing itching.
- D. Suggest that the patient blow hot air under the cast with a blow dryer to relieve itching.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using a blow dryer on cool air safely relieves itching under a cast. Scratching with objects risks skin damage, hot air could cause burns, and explaining cell buildup is not actionable teaching.
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.
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.
You are working in a home health setting. Which of the following assessments would cause you to consider asking your supervisor to arrange for a physical therapy referral for your patient?
- A. The patient is ambulating in the home with a walker.
- B. The patient had surgery recently and is holding on to furniture to ambulate.
- C. The patient uses a wheelchair in the home, which has been remodeled to accommodate it.
- D. The patient is able to transfer with the assistance of one person and has a 24-hour caregiver in the home.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holding onto furniture to ambulate post-surgery indicates unsafe mobility, warranting a physical therapy referral to improve strength and safety. Other options suggest stable mobility or adequate support.
Which bone components are replaced in a total hip replacement surgery?
- A. The head and neck of the femur and the acetabular cup
- B. The greater trochanter of the femur and the acetabular cup
- C. The ilium and the head of the femur
- D. The distal end of the femur and the head of the tibia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In total hip replacement, the femoral head and neck are replaced, and the acetabulum is fitted with a cup-shaped component.