Which action will the nurse take in order to evaluate the ...

[casperchen82]

Which action will the nurse take in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Buck's traction for a 62-year-old patient who has an intracapsular fracture of the right femur?
 
  a. Check peripheral pulses.
  b. Ask about hip pain level.
  c. Assess for hip contractures.
  d. Monitor for hip dislocation.

Question 2

Which statement by the patient indicates a good understanding of the nurse's teaching about a new short-arm plaster cast?
 
  a. I can get the cast wet as long as I dry it right away with a hair dryer.
  b. I should avoid moving my fingers and elbow until the cast is removed.
  c. I will apply an ice pack to the cast over the fracture site off and on for 24 hours.
  d. I can use a cotton-tipped applicator to rub lotion on any dry areas under the cast.

[Tonyam972]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Buck's traction keeps the leg immobilized and reduces painful muscle spasm. Hip contractures and dislocation are unlikely to occur in this situation. The peripheral pulses will be assessed, but this does not help in evaluating the effectiveness of Buck's traction.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Ice application for the first 24 hours after a fracture will help reduce swelling and can be placed over the cast. Plaster casts should not get wet. The patient should be encouraged to move the joints above and below the cast. Patients should not insert objects inside the cast.