HESI Fundamental Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Fundamental Practice Exam related questions and content

The patient has undergone surgery for a broken leg and has a cast in place. What should the nurse do to prevent skin impairment?

  • A. Assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas.
  • B. Keep the patient's blood pressure low to prevent overperfusion of tissue.
  • C. Allow turning in bed to prevent complications.
  • D. Encourage the patient's dietary intake to maintain hydration.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To prevent skin impairment in a patient with a cast, the nurse should assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas. This is important to prevent pressure ulcers or skin breakdown. Keeping the patient's blood pressure low (Choice B) is not directly related to preventing skin impairment in this scenario. Allowing turning in bed (Choice C) is essential for preventing complications like pressure ulcers and is not contraindicated. Encouraging the patient's dietary intake (Choice D) to maintain hydration is not directly related to preventing skin impairment associated with a cast.