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A patient is in skin traction. You notice that when the bed is lowered to its lowest position, the weights are on the floor. Why is this a problem?
- A. It reduces the effectiveness of the traction.
- B. It causes excessive pain to the patient.
- C. It damages the traction equipment.
- D. It increases the risk of skin breakdown.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weights on the floor eliminate the pulling force needed for traction, reducing its effectiveness in aligning the bone or relieving muscle spasms.
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The reason(s) that a limb might have to be amputated include
- A. Severe tissue damage from trauma.
- B. Severely decreased blood flow to the limb.
- C. Failure of skeletal traction to successfully treat a fracture.
- D. Gangrene (death of tissue) in the limb.
- E. Cancerous tumor of the bone.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Amputation may be necessary due to severe trauma, poor blood flow (e.g., peripheral vascular disease), gangrene, or bone cancer. Failure of skeletal traction is not a typical reason for amputation.
A patient who is 3 days post left total hip replacement with the lateral approach is sitting in a chair and drops a magazine. How should he or she retrieve it?
- A. Bend laterally at the waist to pick it up.
- B. Bend over with the knees flexed to pick it up.
- C. Call for someone else to pick it up.
- D. Use an extension gripper to pick it up.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Post-hip replacement patients with a lateral approach must avoid bending or twisting to prevent dislocation. Calling for help or using a gripper is safe.
A patient has skeletal traction applied to his left lower leg. Why is pin site care critical for this patient?
- A. To prevent infection at the pin insertion sites.
- B. To promote faster bone healing.
- C. To reduce pain during traction.
- D. To maintain traction alignment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pin site care is critical to prevent infection, as pins penetrate skin and bone, creating an infection risk. Other options are not directly related to pin site care.
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.
Fill in the acronym for the care of a sprain.
- A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- B. Reduce, Immobilize, Cool, Elevate
- C. Rest, Inspect, Compress, Exercise
- D. Relax, Ice, Compress, Extend
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The acronym for sprain care is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, which reduces swelling and promotes healing. Other options include incorrect components.