The patient is admitted for a fractured tibia . The nurse is ...

[schs14]

The patient is admitted for a fractured tibia . The nurse is preparing for cast application and expects to administer a(n) _____ to the patient minutes before the procedure.
 
  a. oral analgesic 10
  b. intramuscular (IM) analgesic 10
  c. intravenous (IV) analgesic 2 to 5
  d. muscle relaxant 10

Question 2

An appropriate procedure for the nurse to use when applying an elastic stocking is to:
 
  a. remove the stockings every 24 hours.
  b. keep the tops of the stockings rolled down slightly.
  c. turn the stocking inside out to apply from the toes up.
  d. wash stockings daily and dry in a dryer.

[flexer1n1]

Answer to Question 1

C
Administer analgesic per order before cast application: IV, 2 to 5 minutes before the procedure. This is the most effective way to reduce pain during cast application.
Alternately, you could administer analgesic by mouth (PO), 30 to 40 minutes before cast application to obtain optimal analgesic effect. If administering analgesic via IM injection, give does 20 to 30 minutes before cast application for optimal analgesic effect. Administer muscle relaxant 30 minutes before cast application if spasms are present. Often, muscle spasms are treated more effectively with skeletal muscle relaxants than with opioids.

Answer to Question 2

C
Turn elastic stocking inside out by placing one hand into the sock, holding the toe of the sock with the other hand, and pulling. This allows easier application of the stocking. Elastic stockings should be removed and reapplied at least twice a day. Instruct the patient not to roll the socks partially down. Rolling the socks partially down has a constricting effect and can impede venous return. Instruct the patient to launder elastic stockings every 2 days with mild detergent and lay flat to dry.