Author Question: Which finding in a patient with a Colles' fracture of the left wrist is most important to ... (Read 98 times)

JGIBBSON · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which finding in a patient with a Colles' fracture of the left wrist is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

a. Swelling is noted around the wrist.
b. The patient is reporting severe pain.
c. The wrist has a deformed appearance.
d. Capillary refill to the fingers is prolonged.

Question 2

Before assisting a patient with ambulation 2 days after a total hip replacement, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

a. Observe the status of the incisional drain device.
b. Administer the ordered oral opioid pain medication.
c. Instruct the patient about the benefits of ambulation.
d. Change the hip dressing and document the wound appearance.

Chou · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Swelling, pain, and deformity are common findings with a Colles' fracture. Prolonged capillary refill indicates decreased circulation and risk for ischemia. This is not an expected finding and should be immediately reported.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The patient should be adequately medicated for pain before any attempt to ambulate. Instructions about the benefits of ambulation may increase the patient's willingness to ambulate, but decreasing pain with ambulation is more important. The presence of an incisional drain or timing of dressing change will not affect ambulation.