In reviewing Mrs. Post's laboratory results, which abnormal test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Antinuclear antibody (ANA) in confirming the diagnosis for Mrs. Post. ANA is a crucial test in diagnosing autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can present with neurological symptoms. ANA detects autoantibodies that target the cell nucleus, indicating an autoimmune response affecting multiple organs, including the nervous system. Option A) Sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and does not provide information specific to neurological disorders. Option B) Rheumatoid factor is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, primarily affecting the joints, not commonly linked to neurological issues. Option C) LE cells are specific to lupus erythematosus, but not necessarily to neurological involvement. In an educational context, understanding the significance of specific laboratory tests in diagnosing neurological conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals. This question emphasizes the importance of ANA testing in the workup of patients with suspected autoimmune neurological disorders, guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies based on accurate diagnoses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a patient who has just undergone open carpal tunnel release surgery, keeping the hand and arm elevated above the level of the heart is crucial for reducing postoperative swelling. By elevating the extremity, gravity helps to facilitate venous return and prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the surgical site, which can lead to edema and delayed healing. Option A, reducing lymphatic drainage, is incorrect because elevating the arm actually helps to improve lymphatic drainage by aiding in the movement of lymphatic fluid back towards the central circulation. Option C, restricting hand movements, is not the primary purpose of keeping the hand elevated postoperatively. While some restrictions on hand movements may be necessary to protect the surgical site, the main goal of elevation is to reduce swelling. Option D, decreasing the possibility of nosocomial infection, is not directly related to the rationale for keeping the hand elevated postoperatively. Infection prevention involves other strategies such as maintaining proper hand hygiene and aseptic techniques during wound care. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind postoperative care instructions to ensure optimal patient outcomes. By grasping the reasons for specific interventions like elevation, healthcare professionals can provide better care and help patients recover more effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients who work in settings that require repetitive hand movements over a long period are at an increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because repetitive motions can cause swelling or inflammation in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist where the median nerve and tendons pass through. This can lead to compression of the median nerve, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Option A) Osteomyelitis is incorrect because it is a bone infection typically caused by bacteria, not related to repetitive hand movements. Option B) Osteoporosis is incorrect as it is a condition characterized by weakened bones, usually due to loss of bone density, and is not directly related to repetitive hand movements. Option D) Fracture of the overused area is incorrect because while repetitive stress can lead to overuse injuries like stress fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome is a more common and specific risk associated with repetitive hand movements. Educationally, understanding the risk factors associated with repetitive hand movements and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working with patients in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or ergonomics. By recognizing these risks, professionals can provide preventive education, ergonomic interventions, and early interventions to mitigate the impact of repetitive motion injuries on individuals working in high-risk settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Hold the arm or the leg in place. When applying a cylinder cast to a client with a fracture, the nurse's role is crucial in ensuring proper immobilization and alignment of the injured limb. By holding the arm or leg in place during the casting procedure, the nurse helps maintain the correct positioning of the limb, which is essential for optimal healing of the fracture. This action prevents any movement that could disrupt the alignment and stability of the fracture site, promoting the desired therapeutic outcome. Option A) Gently massage the arm or the leg is incorrect because massaging the limb could potentially cause further injury or dislodgment of the fractured bone fragments, leading to complications in the healing process. Option C) Provide intense heat or a cast dryer to speed the evaporation is incorrect because applying heat to the cast can cause burns or discomfort to the client. Additionally, speeding up the evaporation process is not necessary for the proper application of a cast. Option D) Compress the cast on a hard surface for better support is incorrect because compressing the cast on a hard surface could distort its shape and compromise its ability to provide adequate support and immobilization to the injured limb. This action may lead to discomfort and hinder the healing process. In an educational context, understanding the correct role of the nurse in applying a cast is essential for providing safe and effective care to clients with fractures. Nurses must possess the knowledge and skills to perform this procedure correctly to promote optimal healing outcomes and prevent complications. Proper training and ongoing education are necessary to ensure that nurses can competently carry out casting procedures in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Elevate the extremity. Elevating the extremity helps reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can alleviate throbbing pain in a client with skeletal traction. When a limb is elevated, gravity assists in draining excess fluid from the affected area, reducing inflammation and pressure on nerves, thus decreasing pain. Option A) Administer antibiotics is incorrect because antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not for pain relief in this scenario. Option C) Petal cast edges with waterproof tape is incorrect as it pertains to wound care and preventing skin breakdown under a cast, not addressing the client's current pain. Option D) Massage the area of pain is incorrect as massaging the area of skeletal traction can increase the risk of dislodging the traction or causing further injury. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the rationale behind pain management strategies for clients with skeletal traction to provide effective and safe care. Elevating the extremity is a simple yet effective intervention that can significantly improve the client's comfort and promote optimal healing outcomes. It is essential for nurses to prioritize non-pharmacological pain management techniques like elevation to minimize reliance on medications and reduce potential side effects.