The patient received treatment for a sprained ankle and is receiving home care instructions regarding cold therapy. Which instructions should the nurse include?
a. Place the gel pack on the ankle for 30 minutes every 4 hours for the first 48 hours after the injury.
b. Wrap the ankle with a lightweight cloth before applying the ice bag to it.
c. Wrap the elastic bandage firmly before applying the ice to the ankle.
d. Immerse the foot in a pan of ice water every 4 hours for as long as the patient can wiggle his toes.
B
The patient needs to prevent direct exposure of the skin to the ice bag. The gel pack must be wrapped before being put against the ankle. The elastic bandage can interfere with circulation if wrapped too tightly, and the wrap itself can prevent the cold from being effective. Immersion would require the patient to place his foot in a dependent position, which can increase swelling.
You might also like to view...
A community health nurse has scheduled a hypertension clinic in a local shopping mall in which shoppers have the opportunity to have their blood pressure measured and learn about hypertension
This nursing activity would be an example of which type of prevention activity? A) Tertiary prevention B) Secondary prevention C) Primary prevention D) Disease prevention
The nurse taking care of a patient with high cholesterol and triglyceride values teaches him about therapeutic lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The nurse is aware that the desired goal for cholesterol levels is:
A) High HDL values and high triglyceride values B) Low soluble fiber C) Elevated blood lipids, fasting glucose less than 100 D) Low LDL values and high HDL values
A nurse is completing an initial home visit with a family. Which of the following actions should be taken first by the nurse?
a. Assess the family and the home setting for both strengths and problems. b. Determine the family's expectations of a home visit. c. Establish rapport between the nurse and the family. d. Engage in extended social interaction as would be expected from any guest.
The nurse is advising a 20-year-old college sophomore with acne vulgaris. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
a. Avoid all chocolate. b. Wash your face gently with mild soap. c. Scrub your face with a soft brush. d. Gently express clogged sebum from your pores.