Nokea
The orthopedic nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of Volkmanns contracture if a patient has fractured which of the following bones?
- A. Femur
- B. Humerus
- C. Radial head
- D. Clavicle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most serious complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus is Volkmanns ischemic contracture, which results from antecubital swelling or damage to the brachial artery. This complication is specific to humeral fractures.
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The patient scheduled for a Syme amputation is concerned about the ability to eventually stand on the amputated extremity. How should the nurse best respond to the patients concern?
- A. You will eventually be able to withstand full weight-bearing after the amputation.
- B. You will have minimal weight-bearing on this extremity but you'll be taught how to use an assistive device.
- C. You likely will not be able to use this extremity but you will receive teaching on use of a wheelchair.
- D. You will be fitted for a prosthesis which may or may not allow you to walk.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Syme amputation (modified ankle disarticulation amputation) is performed most frequently for extensive foot trauma and produces a painless, durable extremity end that can withstand full weight-bearing. Therefore, each of the other teaching statements is incorrect.
A nurse is writing a care plan for a patient admitted to the emergency department (ED) with an open fracture. The nurse will assign priority to what nursing diagnosis for a patient with an open fracture of the radius?
- A. Risk for Infection
- B. Risk for Ineffective Role Performance
- C. Risk for Perioperative Positioning Injury
- D. Risk for Powerlessness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient has a significant risk for osteomyelitis and tetanus due to the fact that the fracture is open. Powerlessness and ineffective role performance are psychosocial diagnoses that may or may not apply, and which would be superseded by immediate physiologic threats such as infection. Surgical positioning injury is not plausible, since surgery is not likely indicated.
A nurse is caring for a patient who had a right below-the-knee amputation (BKA). The nurse recognizes the importance of implementing measures that focus on preventing flexion contracture of the hip and maintaining proper positioning. Which of the following measures will best achieve these goals?
- A. Encouraging the patient to turn from side to side and to assume a prone position
- B. Initiating ROM exercises of the hip and knee 10 to 12 weeks after the amputation
- C. Minimizing movement of the flexor muscles of the hip
- D. Encouraging the patient to sit in a chair for at least 8 hours a day
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse encourages the patient to turn from side to side and to assume a prone position, if possible, to stretch the flexor muscles and to prevent flexion contracture of the hip. Postoperative ROM exercises are started early, because contracture deformities develop rapidly. ROM exercises include hip and knee exercises for patients with BKAs. The nurse also discourages sitting for prolonged periods of time.
A nurse is planning the care of an older adult patient who will soon be discharged home after treatment for a fractured hip. In an effort to prevent future fractures, the nurse should encourage which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Regular bone density testing
- B. A high-calcium diet
- C. Use of falls prevention precautions
- D. Use of corticosteroids as ordered
- E. Weight-bearing exercise
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Health promotion measures after an older adults hip fracture include weight-bearing exercise, promotion of a healthy diet, falls prevention, and bone density testing. Corticosteroids have the potential to reduce bone density and increase the risk for fractures.
An elite high school football player has been diagnosed with a shoulder dislocation. The patient has been treated and is eager to resume his role on his team, stating that he is not experiencing pain. What should the nurse emphasize during health education?
- A. The need to take analgesia regardless of the short-term absence of pain
- B. The importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment and rehabilitation regimen
- C. The fact that he has a permanently increased risk of future shoulder dislocations
- D. The importance of monitoring for intracapsular bleeding once he resumes playing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients who have experienced sports-related injuries are often highly motivated to return to their previous level of activity. Adherence to restriction of activities and gradual resumption of activities needs to be reinforced. Appropriate analgesia use must be encouraged, but analgesia does not necessarily have to be taken in the absence of pain. If healing is complete, the patient does not likely have a greatly increased risk of reinjury. Dislocations rarely cause bleeding after the healing process.