A nurse who provides care on a reconstructive orthopedic unit has ...

[Zulu123]

A nurse who provides care on a reconstructive orthopedic unit has walked past the room of a patient who is receiving balanced suspension traction for the treatment of a femoral head fracture.
 
  The nurse observes a nursing assistant lifting the suspended weights to facilitate positioning a bedpan under the patient. How should the nurse best follow-up this observation?
  A) Ensure the nursing assistant knows that such transfers must be performed quickly and efficiently.
  B) Assess the patient for the ability to transfer to a commode rather than using a bedpan.
  C) Teach the nursing assistant that weights should not be removed from traction, except in an emergency.
  D) Teach the nursing assistant to apply temporary weights to compensate for positional changes.

Question 2

A middle-aged woman sustained an elbow fracture in a bicycle crash and has required reduction and fixation to aid healing. The nurse is aware of the need for vigilant neurovascular assessment.
 
  How should the nurse assess the function of the patient's ulnar nerve?
  A) Ask the patient to clench and unclench her fist several times.
  B) Ask the patient to rotate her hand at the wrist.
  C) Touch the back of the patient's hand with a pen and ask if the patient is able to feel the sensation.
  D) Ask the patient to spread her fingers as widely as possible.

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

D