ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 61 : Caring for Clients Requiring Orthopedic Treatment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 68-year-old female client who had a below the knee amputation is to be discharged because her healing is almost complete. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to discuss with this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring factors related to the older adult client's home environment and determining a plan for continued rehabilitation before discharge is most important. The client should be encouraged to eat foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Because the healing is almost complete, the client need not always keep the affected limb elevated unless prescribed to do so. Because the client is in her late 60s, she is most likely to have already undergone menopause.
Therefore, educating her about the effects of menopause is not as important.
Question 2 of 5
A group of students is reviewing information about cast composition in preparation for a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of each. The students demonstrate understanding of the topic when they cite what as an advantage of a plaster cast?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Plaster casts require a longer time for drying but mold better to the client and are initially used until the swelling subsides. Fiberglass casts dry more quickly, are lighter in weight, longer lasting, and breathable.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client in skeletal traction. When performing pin care, which action by the nurse is most important?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When performing pin care, the nurse should use at least one applicator per pin and not use an applicator more than once, cleaning the site from the pin outward. Crusts around pin sites should be gently removed, but that is less important than not re-using applicators. Ointment is avoided unless it is specifically ordered.
Question 4 of 5
A client has a cast applied to the leg for treatment of a tibia fracture and also has a wound on the leg that requires dressing changes due to drainage. For what should the nurse prepare the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After the cast dries, a cast window, or opening, may be cut. This usually is done when the client reports discomfort under the cast or has a wound that requires a dressing change. The window permits direct inspection of the skin, a means to check the pulse in a casted arm or leg, or a way to change a dressing. A bivalve cast is when the cast is cut in two if the leg swells or if the client is being weaned from a cast, when a sharp x-ray is needed, or as a splint for immobilizing painful joints when a client has arthritis. The cast should not be removed due to the instability of a fracture. The client's condition does not indicate an external fixator is required.
Question 5 of 5
A client having a cast applied for a fractured leg that extends from below the knee to the base of the toes. The foot is flexed at a right angle in a neutral position. What type of cast is the client having applied?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A short leg cast extends from below the knee to the base of the toes. The foot is flexed at a right angle in a neutral position. A long leg cast extends from the junction of the upper and middle third of the thigh to the base of the toes. The knee may be slightly flexed. A walking cast is a short or long leg cast reinforced for strength. A hip spica cast encloses the trunk and a lower extremity.