A client has had extensive ankle reconstruction and required a cast for stabilization. The nurse would expect which educational topic to be included in the plan of care before discharge?

1. Home management of the casted extremity
2. Application of heat four times each day
3. Weight-bearing training
4. Log-rolling techniques when getting out of bed


Home management of the casted extremity

Rationale: Home management of the casted extremity is required to assist in self-care once discharged. Care of the cast, assessments, limitations, and safety concepts need to be included in home care. Heat is not applied to a cast due to increased risk of swelling and bleeding due to its vasodilation effects. Ice can be applied with an on-off process lasting no longer than 30 minutes several times during the day. The ice will decrease swelling and pain by vasoconstriction. Weight-bearing is contraindicated in extensive ankle surgery. Crutches or walkers are needed for getting around safely. Log-rolling is done for back surgery to stabilize the spinal column, not for ankle surgeries.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A patient, aged 82 years, has Alzheimer's disease. She lives with her daughter's family and goes to a day care facility on weekdays. The family cares for her during the evening and at night

Noting the patient had several bruises, the nurse discussed her observations with the daughter, who became defensive and said that her mother was very difficult to manage because she is confused and wanders all night. She says the bruises resulted from a fall down stairs. The daughter states, "I have lost my mother, and I cannot bear it anymore. It is wrecking my family.". The nursing intervention that should take priority is: a. teaching the daughter more about the effects of Alzheimer's disease. b. identifying two options for caregiver respite and care assistance at night. c. supporting the daughter to grieve the loss of her mother's ability to function. d. teaching the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently.

Nursing

A teacher recommends that surveys to obtain data on drug use be given to high school students when they meet for various school organizations. Which of the following best describes why the nurse would reject this suggestion?

a. This method of data collection would result in classification bias. b. This method of data collection would result in confounding bias. c. This method of data collection would result in personal bias. d. This method of data collection would result in selection bias.

Nursing

Which of the following is true about access to care?

a. Care providers have always donated necessary services to make sure everyone received care. b. Health care is rationed by the ability to pay. c. Poverty-stricken patients received care from medical and nursing school students in teaching hospitals. d. Universal access has always been a component of health care in America.

Nursing

Mental illnesses recognized across cultures include

a. antisocial and borderline personality disorders. b. schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. c. bulimia and anorexia nervosa. d. amok and social phobia.

Nursing