Author Question: An emergency department nurse triages a client with diabetes mellitus who has fractured her arm. ... (Read 29 times)

ap345 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An emergency department nurse triages a client with diabetes mellitus who has fractured her arm. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Remove the medical alert bracelet from the fractured arm.
b. Immobilize the arm by splinting the fractured site.
c. Place the client in a supine position with a warm blanket.
d. Cover any open areas with a sterile dressing.

Question 2

A nurse plans care for a client who is recovering from a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?

a. Place pillows between the client's knees.
b. Encourage range-of-motion exercises.
c. Administer prophylactic antibiotics.
d. Implement strict bedrest in a supine position.

wfdfwc23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A client's medical alert bracelet should be removed from the fractured arm before the affected extremity swells. Immobilization, positioning, and dressing should occur after the bracelet is removed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Clients with a below-the-knee amputation should complete range-of-motion exercises to prevent flexion contractions and prepare for a prosthesis. A pillow may be used under the limb as support. Clients recovering from this type of amputation are at low risk for infection and should not be prescribed prophylactic antibiotics. The client should be encouraged to re-position, move, and exercise frequently, and therefore should not be restricted to bedrest.