The client sustains a sprained ankle during a soccer game. Which should the nurse implement for cold application to the affected region? (Select all that apply.)
1. Align the ankle carefully.
2. Position foot dependently.
3. Bind foot with elastic wrap.
4. Collect baseline client data.
5. Prolong exposure to therapy.
6. Immerse ankle in cold water.
1, 3, 4
1. Before applying cold therapy to a sprained ankle, the nurse aligns the ankle in the physiological position to avoid subsequent injuries.
3. The nurse binds the ankle with an elastic wrap, such as an Ace bandage, to com-press regional tissue, prevent edema, and control subcutaneous bleeding.
4. The nurse assesses the leg before applying any treatment to establish baseline data and to ensure that peripheral perfusion is adequate. This is very important before rea-lignment of the ankle because, if the injury results in vascular damage, subsequent movement potentially aggravates the injury and increases the risk of a devastating injury.
2. The nurse positions the ankle in an independent position to facilitate venous return.
5. The nurse applies cold therapy to the ankle for 20 minutes and removes the cold for 30 minutes to prevent tissue trauma.
6. The nurse avoids using cold immersion therapy because it results in quick, deep tissue cooling increasing the risk of tissue trauma. Besides, the nurse is unlikely to have the necessary equipment for immersion at the soccer game.
You might also like to view...
A group of nursing students have participated in a class discussion about the health continuum. Which statement by the group indicates that they have understood the information?
A) The distinction between health and illness is well demarcated. B) Illness refers to a state of being relatively unhealthy. C) The term "health" is limited to reflect an individual's state. D) Treatment of acute conditions reflects the current focus of health care.
The nurse consistently applies guidelines for safe administration of medications during patient care. This practice is an example of the application of what ethical principle?
A) Justice B) Veracity C) Beneficence D) Paternalism
The nurse caring for a patient admitted with burns over 30% of the body surface assesses that urine output has dramatically increased. Which action by the nurse would best ensure adequate kidney function?
a. Continue to monitor the urine output. b. Monitor for increased white blood cells (WBCs). c. Assess that blisters and edema have subsided. d. Prepare the patient for discharge from the burn unit.
Which of the following terms describes or explains nursing?
A) Conceptual framework B) Theory C) Construct D) Proposition