A patient who slipped and fell in the shower at home has a proximal humerus fracture immobilized with a left-sided long-arm cast and a sling. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?
a. Use surgical net dressing to hang the arm from an IV pole.
b. Immobilize the fingers of the left hand with gauze dressings.
c. Assess the left axilla and change absorbent dressings as needed.
d. Assist the patient in passive range of motion (ROM) for the right arm.
ANS: C
The axilla can become excoriated when a sling is used to support the arm, and the nurse should check the axilla and apply absorbent dressings to prevent this. A patient with a sling would not have traction applied by hanging. The patient will be encouraged to move the fingers on the injured arm to maintain function and to help decrease swelling. The patient will do active ROM on the uninjured side.
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