The nurse is preparing a patient for discharge after application of a plaster cast. What information does the nurse include in the patient teaching?
a. Report any changes in sensation or mobil-ity.
b. Use a cool blow dryer to dry a wet cast.
c. Use only soft objects to scratch inside the cast.
d. Trim the cast if the skin becomes irritated.
A
The nurse instructs the patient to report changes in sensation or inability to move the affected tissues because these clinical indicators are consistent with neurovascular impairment, usually resulting from a compressed or irritated nerve. This potentially results from excessive intracast pressure from bleeding, edema, or compartment syndrome. The patient can facilitate cast drying by using a standard, household fan positioned 45 cm (18 inches) or more from the cast.
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A patient is admitted with a large, inflamed leg wound. The nurse explains that the inflammatory response is initiated by chemicals released by which white blood cell type?
1. Monocytes 2. Eosinophils 3. Basophils 4. Neutrophils
A patient who has been taking efavirenz (Sustiva) reports a sore throat, fever, and blisters. What is your best action?
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Betty is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been complaining of nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
1. this is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy due to elevated levels of estrogen. 2. this is an abnormal cardiovascular change and the nosebleeds are an ominous sign. 3. Betty is a victim of domestic violence and is being hit in the face by her partner. 4. Betty has been using cocaine intranasally.
A nurse is working in a state health department. Which of the following programs would the nurse most likely be working with?
a. Senior health b. Dental services c. HIV/AIDS service d. Mental health