Nokea
The nurse in an orthopedic clinic is caring for a new client. What sign or symptom would lead a nurse to suspect that a client has a rotator cuff tear?
- A. Ability to stretch arm over the head
- B. Difficulty lying on affected side
- C. Pain worse in the morning
- D. Minimal pain with movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with a rotator cuff tear experience pain with movement and limited mobility of the shoulder and arm. They especially have difficulty with activities that involve stretching their arm above their head. Many clients find that the pain is worse at night and that they are unable to sleep on the affected side.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is designing a teaching plan for a client with a ruptured Achilles tendon. What education will the nurse provide?
- A. Dietary restrictions
- B. Activity restrictions
- C. Use of nonprescription medications
- D. Effective pin care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should emphasize information about the activity restrictions, the use of ambulatory aids, and pain management to a client with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The client need not be advised about his or her diet or the use of nonprescription medications. Teaching about pin care is also not necessary for such a client because pins are not used to treat a ruptured Achilles tendon.
A client suffered a subtrochanteric hip fracture after falling out of the bed. What complication should the nurse monitor closely for related to this type of fracture?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Abdominal pain
- C. Urinary retention
- D. Hypovolemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Subtrochanteric hip fractures can lead to significant blood loss into the surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of hypovolemia. The nurse should monitor for signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased urine output.
A client has been prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. What should the nurse be sure to include when educating the client about taking this medication?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach to assist in faster absorption.
- B. Take the medication with food.
- C. The medication may cause drowsiness, so do not operate machinery or drive a vehicle.
- D. The dosage may be exceeded if pain is not relieved by the prescribed dose.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the client is taking NSAIDs, the nurse stresses to take these medications with food. The most common adverse effects of NSAIDs are related to the gastrointestinal tract. The medication should not be taken on an empty stomach and taking it that way does not cause more rapid absorption. The medication does not generally cause drowsiness, and the dosage should never be exceeded.
A client comes to the clinic 2 days after sustaining a sprain to the left ankle. What intervention can the nurse encourage the client to perform that will help improve circulation?
- A. Active range-of-motion exercises
- B. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- C. Applying cold compresses
- D. Applying heat
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After 2 days, when swelling is no longer likely to increase, applying heat reduces pain and relieves local edema by improving circulation. Full use of the injured joint is discouraged temporarily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will ease discomfort but not improve circulation. Applying cold compresses is only used in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
A client has delayed bone healing in a fractured right humerus. What should the nurse prepare the client for that promotes bone growth?
- A. Electrical stimulation
- B. Administration of low-dose heparin
- C. Joint fusion
- D. Administration of antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Delayed union may require surgical interventions to promote bone growth and correct the incorrect union. If necessary, prepare the client for use of electrical stimulation measures that promote bone growth, or for a bone graft. Administration of low-dose heparin would be used to prevent pulmonary embolism. Joint fusion may be used in the case of avascular necrosis. Administration of antibiotics would be used for the potential of infection or to treat an actual infection.