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The nurse is caring for a client who reports wrist pain. What does the nurse identify as a positive indicator of the Phalen sign?
- A. Percussion of the median nerve causes tingling and numbness.
- B. Wrist flexion for 30 seconds causes pain and numbness.
- C. Electrical stimulation shows a delay in motor responses.
- D. Shaking hands causes a reduction in the pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phalen sign involves having the client flex the wrist for 30 seconds to determine if pain or numbness occurs, which if it does, indicates a positive sign for carpal tunnel syndrome. Tinel sign involves percussion of the median nerve, which if positive, elicits tingling, numbness, and pain for clients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Electrical stimulation with delay would be evaluated by electromyography. Shaking hands that leads to a reduction in pain is a method for assessing carpal tunnel syndrome.
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A client with a fracture develops compartment syndrome that requires surgical intervention. What treatment will the nurse most likely prepare the client for?
- A. Bone graft
- B. Joint replacement
- C. Fasciotomy
- D. Amputation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Surgical treatment of compartment syndrome is achieved with a fasciotomy, a surgical incision of the fascia and separation of the muscle to relieve pressure and restore tissue perfusion. Bone graft, joint replacement or amputation may be done for a client who experiences avascular necrosis.
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 with metastatic bone cancer sustained a left hip fracture without injury. What type of fracture does the nurse understand occurs without trauma or fall?
- A. Impacted fracture
- B. Transverse fracture
- C. Compound fracture
- D. Pathologic fracture
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pathologic fracture is a fracture that occurs through an area of diseased bone and can occur without trauma or a fall. An impacted fracture is a fracture in which a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment. A transverse fracture is a fracture straight across the bone. A compound fracture is a fracture in which damage also involves the skin or mucous membranes.
Radiographic evaluation of a client's fracture reveals that a bone fragment has been driven into another bone fragment. The nurse identifies this as which type of fracture?
- A. Comminuted
- B. Compression
- C. Impacted
- D. Greenstick
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An impacted fracture is one in which a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment. A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone has splintered into several fragments. A compression fracture is one in which bone has been compressed. A greenstick fracture is one in which one side of the bone is broken, and the other side is bent.
An older adult client slipped on an area rug at home and fractured the left hip. The client is unable to have surgery immediately and is having severe pain. What interventions should the nurse employ to minimize energy loss in response to pain?
- A. Administer prescribed analgesics around-the-clock.
- B. Administer prescribed pain medication only when the client requests it.
- C. Give pain medication to the client after providing care.
- D. Avoid administering too much medication because the client is older.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain associated with hip fracture is severe and must be carefully managed with around-the-clock dosing of pain medication to minimize energy loss in response to pain. The client may not request the medication even if they are in pain, and it should be offered at the prescribed time. Giving pain medication prior to providing any type of care involved in moving the client is appropriate to reduce discomfort.