Nokea
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured radius. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. The swelling can be reduced by keeping my extremity in a dependent position.'
- B. The edges of the cast can be cut with scissors until I feel comfortable.'
- C. To reduce pain and swelling, I should apply a warm compress.'
- D. If my cast gets slightly wet, pat it dry with a towel and try drying it with a hair dryer set on the cool setting.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drying a slightly wet fiberglass cast with a towel and a cool hair dryer is appropriate to prevent skin breakdown. A dependent position increases swelling, cutting the cast is unsafe, and warm compresses can worsen swelling and are not recommended.
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The nurse in the medical-surgical unit is caring for a newly admitted client.
Item 5 of 6
History and Physical
1930: Client is a 45-year-old male who has a one-and-a-half-week history of pain, redness, and swelling in his right foot. He reported that the symptoms began after he accidentally cut his foot while walking barefoot in his backyard. Over the next few days, he developed pain and swelling around the cut, accompanied by redness and warmth. He went to urgent care two days later and was diagnosed with cellulitis in his right foot. He was prescribed antibiotics but could not afford the treatment. Three days ago, the pain escalated and was described as throbbing and constant, with a severity rating of 7/10 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. He states, "the pain is now in the bone of my foot; I don't know how else to describe it." He also noted occasional fever 101°F (38.3°C), chills, and general malaise. On physical examination, his right foot was erythematous, swollen, and warm to the touch. A 3 cm ulcer was noted on the plantar aspect of the right foot, with moderate purulent discharge present. The ulcer appeared deep, and palpation of the surrounding tissue elicited tenderness. There was limited range of motion in the right ankle due to pain. The distal pulses were palpable 2+, and there were signs of neuropathy in the feet (decreased sensation to light touch and pinprick). He has a medical history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (type two), obesity, peripheral neuropathy in all extremities, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and epilepsy.
Orders
2100:
Magnetic resonance imaging of the right foot without contrast
Insert peripheral vascular access device
Laboratory tests: blood culture and sensitivity (C & S), complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), lactic acid
vancomycin 1 g, IV, every 12 hours
Wound culture
fentanyl 50 mcg IV, every 5 hours PRN pain
Consultation
Infectious Disease Consultation
2050: Client was evaluated and I strongly suspect osteomyelitis in his right foot. Labs are pending. Agree with admission and will follow closely.
Nurses' Notes
2110: Orders received and reviewed. Vital signs: T 103° F (39.4° C), P 92, RR 18, BP 141/87, pulse oximetry reading 98% on room air. Client reports pain '8' on the Numerical Pain Scale.
The nurse reviews the physician's orders, client's laboratory data, and makes an entry into the nurses' notes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Withhold administering the prescribed antibiotic and notify the physician.
- B. Place a dressing over the client's wound before transporting the client to MRI.
- C. Notify the physician to hold the ordered MRI because of the client's kidney function.
- D. Instruct the client to remove all metal objects before the MRI.
- E. Administer prescribed pain medication before the MRI.
- F. Irrigate the wound with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) before obtaining wound culture.
- G. Request a prescription for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Correct Answer: B, D, E, F
Rationale: B: A dressing protects the wound during transport. D: Removing metal prevents MRI interference. E: Pain medication improves comfort for MRI. F: Irrigation ensures a clean sample for culture. A and C require more data, and G is not urgent.
The following scenario applies to the next 6 items
The nurse in the medical-surgical unit is caring for a newly admitted client.
Item 1 of 6
History and Physical
1930: Client is a 45-year-old male who has a one-and-a-half-week history of pain, redness, and swelling in his right foot. He reported that the symptoms began after he accidentally cut his foot while walking barefoot in his backyard. Over the next few days, he developed pain and swelling around the cut, accompanied by redness and warmth. He went to urgent care two days later and was diagnosed with cellulitis in his right foot. He was prescribed antibiotics but could not afford the treatment. Three days ago, the pain escalated and was described as throbbing and constant, with a severity rating of 7/10 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. He states, "the pain is now in the bone of my foot; I don't know how else to describe it." He also noted occasional fever 101°F (38.3°C), chills, and general malaise. On physical examination, his right foot was erythematous, swollen, and warm to the touch. A 3 cm ulcer was noted on the plantar aspect of the right foot, with moderate purulent discharge present. The ulcer appeared deep, and palpation of the surrounding tissue elicited tenderness. There was limited range of motion in the right ankle due to pain. The distal pulses were palpable 2+, and there were signs of neuropathy in the feet (decreased sensation to light touch and pinprick). He has a medical history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (type two), obesity, peripheral neuropathy in all extremities, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and epilepsy.
Which of the following findings in the history and physical requires follow-up?
- A. Sensation in the feet
- B. Drainage from wound
- C. Peripheral pulses
- D. Pain characteristics
- E. Medical history
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Decreased sensation (neuropathy) risks further injury, purulent drainage suggests infection, pain characteristics indicate severity and progression, and uncontrolled diabetes and other conditions increase complication risk. Peripheral pulses are normal at 2+.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient who has a halo vest immobilizer (halo brace) following a cervical spine fracture. Which of the following should the nurse include in the patient's plan of care?
- A. Pin care every shift
- B. Neck flexion and extension exercises
- C. Taping the wrench to the vest
- D. Report loosening of the pins
- E. Use straws when providing liquids
Correct Answer: A, D, E
Rationale: Pin care prevents infection, reporting loose pins ensures stability, and straws aid safe drinking. Neck exercises are contraindicated as they risk spinal injury, and taping the wrench is standard but not always required unless specified.
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.
While training a new RN in the emergency department, the nurse attends to a client with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The new RN asks what may have caused this condition. Which of the following occurrences in the patient's history is most likely a contributing factor?
- A. A spinal cord injury at age 12
- B. An upper respiratory infection about a month ago
- C. Hydrocephaly as an infant
- D. A joint injury as a teenager
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is often triggered by a recent infection, commonly an upper respiratory infection, leading to an autoimmune response against peripheral nerves. Spinal cord injury, hydrocephaly, and joint injury are unrelated.