A nurse is caring for a client whose cast has just been taken off after the treatment of his fractured hand. Which instruction should the nurse provide the client when performing exercises after the cast has been taken off?

Question

A) Maintain the same level of activity daily.
B) Exercise past the point of pain for 10 minutes.
C) Alter exercises as you see might be necessary to increase your activity.
D) Monitor body cues of discomfort during exercise.

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
The nurse should place emphasis on self-care and self-monitoring by asking the client to monitor body cues of discomfort during exercise. The client should increase the level of activity each day, pushing just beyond the discomfort and tolerance level and not past the point of pain for 10 minutes. This helps stimulate endorphin production and increase endurance and strength. Exercises should vary to maintain the interest in exercising and not just to increase the level of activity.