Nokea
Which of the following information obtained by the emergency department nurse when admitting a patient with a left femur fracture is most important to report to the health care provider?
- A. Bruising of the left thigh
- B. Complaints of left thigh pain
- C. Outward pointing toes on the left foot
- D. Prolonged capillary refill of the left foot
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prolonged capillary refill may indicate complications such as arterial damage or compartment syndrome. The other findings are typical with a left femur fracture.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a patient who arrives in the emergency department with ankle swelling and severe pain after twisting the ankle playing soccer. Which of the following prescribed collaborative interventions will the nurse implement first?
- A. Wrap the ankle and apply an ice pack.
- B. Administer naproxen 500 mg PO.
- C. Give acetaminophen with codeine.
- D. Take the patient to the radiology department for x-rays.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Immediate care after a sprain or strain injury includes the application of cold and compression to the injury to minimize swelling. The other actions should be taken after the ankle is wrapped with a compression bandage and ice is applied.
The nurse is caring for a patient with Buck's traction who had an intracapsular fracture of the left femur. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of Buck's traction?
- A. Assess for hip contractures.
- B. Monitor for hip dislocation.
- C. Check the peripheral pulses.
- D. Ask about left hip pain level.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Buck's traction keeps the leg immobilized and reduces painful muscle spasm. Hip contractures and dislocation are unlikely to occur in this situation. The peripheral pulses will be assessed, but this does not help in evaluating the effectiveness of Buck's traction.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a cast in place after fracturing the radius and the patient asks when the cast can be removed. Which of the following information related to the length of time that the cast will need to remain in place should the nurse tell the patient?
- A. Several months
- B. At least 3 weeks
- C. Until swelling of the wrist has resolved
- D. Until x-rays show complete bony union
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bone healing starts immediately after the injury, but since ossification does not begin until 3 weeks postinjury, the cast will need to be worn for at least 3 weeks. Complete union may take up to a year. Resolution of swelling does not indicate bone healing.
In which order will the nurse take these actions when caring for a patient with left leg fractures after a motor vehicle accident?
- A. Obtain x-rays.
- B. Check pedal pulses.
- C. Assess lung sounds.
- D. Take blood pressure.
- E. Apply splint to the leg.
- F. Administer tetanus prophylaxis.
Correct Answer: C,D,B,E,A,F
Rationale: The initial actions should be to ensure that airway, breathing, and circulation are intact. This should be followed by checking the neurovascular status of the leg (before and after splint application). Application of a splint to immobilize the leg should be done before sending the patient for x-rays. The tetanus prophylaxis is the least urgent of the actions.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a comminuted fracture of the right femur and has Buck's traction in place while waiting for surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to assess for pressure areas on the patient's back and sacral area and to provide skin care?
- A. Loosen the traction and have the patient turn onto the unaffected side.
- B. Place a pillow between the patient's legs and turn gently to each side.
- C. Turn the patient partially to each side with the assistance of another nurse.
- D. Have the patient lift the buttocks by bending and pushing with the left leg.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient can lift the buttocks off the bed by using the left leg without changing the right-leg alignment. Turning the patient will tend to move the leg out of alignment. Disconnecting the traction will interrupt the weight needed to immobilize and align the fracture.