Deck 32: Orthopedic Care

Question 1

An adolescent client in traction does not want to lose muscle tone. Which response should the nurse give this client?

A) "Many people worry about muscle weakness when they are confined to bed. You could perform range of motion, isometric, and specific exercises."
B) "Don't worry about your muscles, because you can get them back after you get out of traction."
C) "You're young and in great shape. Your muscles won't weaken with a few weeks in bed."
D) "I'll put a referral in for physical therapy to come and work with you."

Answer 1

A
Explanation:1. The nurse should first recognize the client's feelings and then make recommendations for how the client could exercise to maintain muscle integrity.
2. Reassuring the client his muscles will improve later minimizes the client's concern and negatively impacts the nurse-client relationship.
3. Telling the client not to worry minimizes the client's concern and negatively impacts the nurse-client relationship.
4. Physical therapy referrals are not required or indicated at this time.

Question 2

A client using an orthotic device develops a reddened area. Which action should be taken if the area becomes an open wound after 3 days?

A) Removing the orthotic device until the site heals
B) Having the device reshaped to remove the pressure area
C) Notifying the health care provider and orthotist
D) Using a thicker pad over the site

Answer 2

C
Explanation:1. When an area of irritation is noted and does not improve or worsens after 3 days of observation, the nurse should notify the health care provider and orthotist to correct the situation. The other options are incorrect.
2. When an area of irritation is noted and does not improve or worsens after 3 days of observation, the nurse should notify the health care provider and orthotist to correct the situation. The other options are incorrect.
3. When an area of irritation is noted and does not improve or worsens after 3 days of observation, the nurse should notify the health care provider and orthotist to correct the situation. The other options are incorrect.
4. When an area of irritation is noted and does not improve or worsens after 3 days of observation, the nurse should notify the health care provider and orthotist to correct the situation. The other options are incorrect.

Question 3

A client with a fractured leg asks for a cast to be able to walk immediately. Which type of cast material should the nurse anticipate being used for this client's fracture?

A) Plaster
B) Synthetic
C) Fiberglass
D) Thermoplastic

Answer 3

C
Explanation:1. A plaster cast takes 48 hours to dry.
2. A synthetic cast takes 15 minutes to dry.
3. Weight bearing is allowed immediately after a fiberglass cast is applied.
4. A thermoplastic cast takes 20 minutes to dry.

Question 4

A client is prescribed skin traction. In which position should the nurse explain that the client will be?

A) Prone
B) Supine
C) Side-lying
D) Trendelenburg

Question 5

The nurse is planning care for a client in traction. Which care can the nurse assign to assistive personnel (AP) to complete?

A) Pin care
B) Skin assessment
C) Neurovascular checks
D) Bath and linen change

Question 6

A client using orthoses develops a fungal infection. Which question should the nurse ask to determine the reason for the infection?

A) "Have you oiled the joints of the orthoses?"
B) "Have you had the joints screws checked recently?"
C) "Have you been washing the orthoses with mild soap and water?"
D) "Have you been applying lotion on your skin under the orthoses?"

Question 7

A client with a new cast on the lower extremity reports an increase in the amount of pain. Which action should the nurse complete first?

A) Notify the health care provider
B) Assess for compartment syndrome
C) Place the casted extremity on a pillow
D) Provide pain medication as prescribed