Based on the information shown in the accompanying figure and ...

[plus1]

Based on the information shown in the accompanying figure and obtained for a patient in the emergency room, which action will the nurse take first?
 
  a. Administer the prescribed morphine 4 mg IV.
  b. Contact the operating room to schedule surgery.
  c. Check the patient's oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry.
  d. Ask the patient about the date of the last tetanus immunization.

Question 2

When caring for a patient who is using Buck's traction after a hip fracture, which action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
 
  a. Monitor the skin under the traction boot for redness.
  b. Ensure that the weight for the traction is off the floor.
  c. Check for intact sensation and movement in the affected leg.
  d. Offer reassurance that hip and leg pain are normal after hip fracture.

[dmurph1496]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Because fat embolism can occur with tibial fracture, the nurse's first action should be to check the patient's oxygen saturation. The other actions are also appropriate, but not as important at this time as obtaining the patient's oxygen saturation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
UAP can be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the traction once it has been established. Assessment of skin integrity and circulation should be done by the registered nurse (RN). UAP should notify the RN if the patient experiences hip and leg pain because pain and effectiveness of pain relief measures should be assessed by the RN.