Which action will the urgent care nurse take when caring for a ...

[asmith134]

Which action will the urgent care nurse take when caring for a patient who has a possible knee meniscus injury?
 
  a. Encourage bed rest for 24 to 48 hours.
  b. Avoid palpation or movement of the knee.
  c. Apply a knee immobilizer to the affected leg.
  d. Administer intravenous narcotics for pain relief.

Question 2

When assessing for Tinel's sign in a patient with possible right-sided carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse will ask the patient about
 
  a. weakness in the right little finger.
  b. tingling in the right thumb and fingers.
  c. burning in the right elbow and forearm.
  d. tremor when gripping with the right hand.

[s.meritte]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A knee immobilizer may be used for several days after a meniscus injury to stabilize the knee and minimize pain. Patients are encouraged to ambulate with crutches. The knee is assessed by flexing, internally rotating, and extending the knee (McMurray's test). The pain associated with a meniscus injury will not typically require IV opioid administration; nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended for pain relief.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Testing for Tinel's sign will cause tingling in the thumb and first three fingers of the affected hand in patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve does not innervate the right little finger or elbow and forearm. Tremor is not associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.