Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with a newly applied plaster cast. The nurse should
- A. Use a small object like a pencil or ruler to itch the leg if it becomes uncomfortable.
- B. Expedite drying by using a hot blow dryer on the cast.
- C. Let the cast hang below the heart to promote blood flow.
- D. Handle the cast with the palms of the hands.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Handling a wet plaster cast with the palms prevents denting, which could cause pressure points. Scratching inside risks skin damage, hot dryers can burn, and a dependent position increases swelling.
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A client sustained a right leg fracture after an industrial accident and reports tingling and severe pain inside the newly applied plaster cast. Upon inspection, the nurse noted that the exposed toes were cyanotic. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Apply heat packs on the leg
- B. Elevate the affected extremity
- C. Contact the physician immediately
- D. Instruct the client to move or wiggle their toes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tingling, severe pain, and cyanotic toes suggest compartment syndrome, a medical emergency. Contacting the physician immediately is critical for evaluation and possible intervention like cast removal or fasciotomy. Heat worsens swelling, elevation helps but is not enough, and toe movement doesn't address the urgency.
The nurse performs a home safety assessment for an older adult with rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should make which recommendation to promote safety in the bathroom?
- A. Recommend using a handheld (adjustable) shower head
- B. Advise the client to lower the toilet seat to its lowest level
- C. Instruct the client to reduce bathroom lighting
- D. Recommend the use of towel racks for grab bars
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A handheld shower head allows the client with rheumatoid arthritis to bathe more easily, accommodating limited mobility and joint stiffness. Lowering the toilet seat may make standing difficult, reduced lighting increases fall risk, and towel racks are not sturdy enough for support.
The nurse teaches a client about their newly applied halo fixator device with a vest. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. You should ride a bicycle instead of driving a car.'
- B. Report any fever or drainage at the pin sites.'
- C. Always keep the wrench taped to the front of the vest.'
- D. When getting out of bed, roll to your side and push on the mattress.'
- E. Wear a cotton t-shirt under the vest to absorb any moisture.'
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: Report fever or drainage for infection, keep the wrench taped for emergency adjustments, and wear a cotton t-shirt for comfort. Bicycling risks falls, and rolling to the side is safe but not the only method.
The nurse is caring for a client with myasthenia gravis who is six hours postoperative following a thymectomy. Which item should the nurse have at the bedside?
- A. Calcium gluconate
- B. Bag-valve mask
- C. Tracheostomy kit
- D. Atropine sulfate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myasthenia gravis can cause respiratory muscle weakness, and post-thymectomy risks respiratory compromise. A bag-valve mask is critical for emergency ventilation. Calcium gluconate, tracheostomy kits, and atropine are not directly related.
The nurse is caring for a client two days post-op total knee replacement with a continuous passive motion (CPM) device at the bedside. The nurse would recognize that the primary purpose of this machine is to:
- A. Stabilize the knee joint during ambulation
- B. Promote knee flexion
- C. Reduce post-surgical swelling
- D. Prevent blood clots
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of a CPM device is to promote knee flexion and range of motion post-surgery, aiding recovery. It doesn't stabilize during ambulation, primarily reduce swelling, or prevent clots.