Author Question: A phone triage nurse speaks with a client who has an arm cast. The client states, My arm feels ... (Read 234 times)

fnuegbu · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A phone triage nurse speaks with a client who has an arm cast. The client states, My arm feels really tight and puffy. How should the nurse respond?

a. Elevate your arm on two pillows and get ice to apply to the cast.
b. Continue to take ibuprofen (Motrin) until the swelling subsides.
c. This is normal. A new cast will often feel a little tight for the first few days.
d. Please come to the clinic today to have your arm checked by the provider.

Question 2

After teaching a client with a fractured humerus, the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which dietary choice demonstrates that the client correctly understands the nutrition needed to assist in healing the fracture?

a. Baked fish with orange juice and a vitamin D supplement
b. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with a vitamin B supplement
c. Vegetable lasagna with a green salad and a vitamin A supplement
d. Roast beef with low-fat milk and a vitamin C supplement

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Puffy fingers and a feeling of tightness from the cast may indicate the development of compartment syndrome. The client should come to the clinic that day to be evaluated by the provider because delay of treatment can cause permanent damage to the extremity. Ice and ibuprofen are acceptable actions, but checking the cast is the priority because it ensures client safety. The nurse should not reassure the client that this is normal.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The client with a healing fracture needs supplements of vitamins B and C and a high-protein, high-calorie diet. Milk for calcium supplementation and vitamin C supplementation are appropriate. Meat would increase protein in the diet that is necessary for bone healing. Fish, a sandwich, and vegetable lasagna would provide less protein.