A client comes into the emergency department complaining of the inability to feel his hands and feet after waiting for 2 hours for transportation in 20°F weather. To help this client, the nurse should:
1. Rub and massage the hands and feet.
2. Warm the hands and feet in tepid water for 2 hours.
3. Warm the hands and feet in 104°F water for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Provide an antipyretic.
3. Warm the hands and feet in 104°F water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Rationale:
The client's inability to feel his hands and feet after spending 2 hours in 20°F weather would indicate the client is experiencing frostbite. Rapid thawing decreases tissue necrosis and should be done by warming the hands and feet in 104°F water for 20 to 30 minutes. The hands and feet should not be rubbed. Tepid water will not rapidly warm the hands and feet. Antipyretics would be indicated for a fever.
You might also like to view...
The nurse would be alert for which of the following immediately after a woman with abruptio placentae gives birth?
A) Severe uterine pain B) Board-like abdomen C) Appearance of petechiae D) Inversion of the uterus
Parents of a pubescent teen are concerned that he has not "developed" at the rate of other boys
The prescriber diagnoses the teen with hypogonadism. The nurse provides patient education about treatment with testosterone injections. Which statement by the parents best indicates understanding of testosterone therapy? "Our son will have to take the injections a. until he grows at least 4 inches." b. for 6 to 12 months." c. for 3 to 4 years." d. monthly until the age of 16."
The nurse is providing care for a group of siblings following the unexpected death of their father. The nurse should recognize which of the following principles about children and the death of a parent?
A) Most children are able to adapt to the death of a parent, provided they are supported. B) The grief process undergone by children normally excludes active mourning. C) The emotional trauma of losing a parent is not experienced fully until adulthood. D) Children typically move through the grieving process much more quickly than adults.
A patient who is taking an ACE inhibitor sees the primary care NP for a follow-up visit. The patient reports having a persistent cough. The NP should:
a. consider changing the medication to an ARB. b. order a bronchodilator to counter the bronchospasm caused by this drug. c. ask whether the patient has had any associated facial swelling with this cough. d. reassure the patient that tolerance to this adverse effect will develop over time.