Nokea
The clinic nurse is caring for a client with an injured body part that does not require rigid immobilization. What method of immobilization would the nurse expect the health care provider to use on a short-term basis?
- A. Cast
- B. Brace
- C. Splint
- D. Skin traction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A splint immobilizes and supports an injured body part in a functional position and is used when the condition does not require rigid immobilization, causes a large degree of swelling, or requires special skin treatment. Casts and traction provide rigid immobilization. A brace provides support, controls movement, and prevents additional injury for more long-term use.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a client who sustained rib fractures in an automobile accident. What symptoms does the nurse recognize as a complication of rib fractures and should immediately be reported to the physician?
- A. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
- B. Crackles in the lung bases
- C. SUBJECT: Client complains of pain in the affected rib area when taking a deep breath
- D. Heart rate of 94 beats/minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles in the lung bases can be an indicator that the client has developed pneumonia from shallow respirations. The blood pressure is high but may be due to pain. It is expected that the client will have pain in the rib area when taking deep breaths. A heart rate of 94 beats/minute is within normal range.
A client is scheduled for a total left knee arthroplasty in 2 weeks. When would the best time for postoperative nursing management to begin?
- A. Before surgery
- B. When the client is taken to the postanesthesia care unit
- C. After the client returns to the room after surgery and receives pain medication
- D. Twenty-four hours after the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ideally, postoperative nursing management begins before surgery with demonstrations of deep-breathing and coughing exercises and descriptions and demonstrations of the incentive spirometer. Even if the client will have postoperative physical therapy, the nurse explains and helps the client practice active and isometric leg exercises. The nurse also describes other devices that may be used after surgery, such as intravenous infusions of fluid and blood, oxygen, a wound drain, elastic stockings, or roller bandages. It also is necessary to include a discussion of the possible use of traction or the CPM machine. The other options offered do not allow adequate time for instruction.
A client has a cast that extends from below the elbow to the palmar crease and is secured around the base of the thumb. The thumb is also casted. The nurse identifies this as which type of cast?
- A. Short arm cast
- B. Gauntlet cast
- C. Body cast
- D. Spica cast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A gauntlet cast is a short arm cast that extends from below the elbow to the palmar crease and is secured around the base of the thumb, with the thumb also being casted. A short arm cast extends from below the elbow to the palmar crease and is secured around the base of the thumb. A body cast is a larger form of a cylinder cast that encircles the trunk from about the nipple line to the iliac crests. A hip spica cast surrounds one or both legs and the trunk.
A client has just undergone a leg amputation. What will the nurse closely monitor the client for during the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Neuroma
- B. Hematoma
- C. Chronic osteomyelitis
- D. Unexplainable burning pain (causalgia)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hematoma, hemorrhage, and infection are potential complications in the immediate postoperative period. Sleeplessness, nausea, and vomiting may occur but are adverse reactions, not complications. Chronic osteomyelitis and causalgia are potential complications that are likely to arise in the late postoperative period. A neuroma occurs when the cut ends of the nerves become entangled in the healing scar. This would occur later in the postoperative course.
A client's cast is removed. The client is worried because the skin appears mottled and is covered with a yellowish crust. What advice should the nurse give the client to address the skin problem?
- A. Consult a skin specialist.
- B. Scrub the area vigorously to remove the crust.
- C. Apply lotions and take warm baths or soaks.
- D. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should be advised to apply lotions and take warm baths or soaks. This will help in softening the skin and removing debris. The client usually sheds this residue in a few days so the client need not consult a skin specialist. It is not advisable to scrub the area vigorously. The client need not avoid exposure to direct sunlight because the area is not photosensitive.