Author Question: A patient who slipped and fell in the shower at home has a proximal humerus fracture immobilized ... (Read 31 times)

bobthebuilder · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient who slipped and fell in the shower at home has a proximal humerus fracture immobilized with a left-sided long-arm cast and a sling. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

a. Use surgical net dressing to hang the arm from an IV pole.
b. Immobilize the fingers of the left hand with gauze dressings.
c. Assess the left axilla and change absorbent dressings as needed.
d. Assist the patient in passive range of motion (ROM) for the right arm.

Question 2

When giving home care instructions to a patient who has comminuted forearm fractures and a long-arm cast on the left arm, which information should the nurse include?

a. Keep the left shoulder elevated on a pillow or cushion.
b. Keep the hand immobile to prevent soft tissue swelling.
c. Call the health care provider for increased swelling or numbness of the hand.
d. Avoid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 24 hours after the injury.

kaillie · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The axilla can become excoriated when a sling is used to support the arm, and the nurse should check the axilla and apply absorbent dressings to prevent this. A patient with a sling would not have traction applied by hanging. The patient will be encouraged to move the fingers on the injured arm to maintain function and to help decrease swelling. The patient will do active ROM on the uninjured side.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Increased swelling or numbness may indicate increased pressure at the injury, and the health care provider should be notified immediately to avoid damage to nerves and other tissues. The patient should be encouraged to move the joints above and below the cast to avoid stiffness. There is no need to elevate the shoulder, although the forearm should be elevated to reduce swelling. NSAIDs are appropriate to treat pain after a fracture.