Author Question: The nurse is explaining to a patient the procedure to alleviate pressure on a casted extremity. How ... (Read 78 times)

chandani · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is explaining to a patient the procedure to alleviate pressure on a casted extremity. How should the nurse explain the procedure?

1. This procedure is called bivalving. The doctor will use a cast saw to split the cast down both sides to relieve pressure on your leg.
2. This procedure is called an external fixation and will help the bone heal.
3. This procedure is called an open reduction with internal fixation to help the bone fuse together.
4. This procedure will help heal your leg faster so that the cast can come off sooner.

Question 2

The nurse is changing a patient's stump dressing. The nurse understands that proper technique must be used for the above-the-knee amputation. Which technique should the nurse use for this dressing change?

1. figure-eight bandage
2. compression bandaging technique
3. splinting
4. bivalving

dmurph1496 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Bivalving is the process of splitting the cast down both sides to alleviate pressure on or allow visualization of the extremity. This procedure is not external fixation or open reduction with internal fixation. The goal of this procedure is not specifically to promote faster healing.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The figure-eight bandage is started by bringing the bandage down over the stump and back up around the hips. Stump dressings increase venous return, decrease edema, and help shape the stump for a prosthetic device. The technique is not compression bandaging or splinting. Bivalving is used to reduce the risk of compartment syndrome and involves splitting a cast down both sides.