Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is discussing the differences between skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
A. “Skeletal traction is more appropriate than skin traction for reducing a fracture.”
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Skeletal traction is more appropriate than skin traction for reducing a fracture because it applies a direct and continuous pull on the bone through pins, wires, or screws that are inserted into the bone. Skeletal traction can achieve greater alignment and stability of the fracture site than skin traction, which applies an indirect and intermittent pull on the bone through tapes, boots, or splints that are attached to the skin.
B. “Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction.”
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Skeletal traction has more risk for infection than skin traction, because it involves an open wound and a foreign body that can introduce bacteria into the bone or soft tissues. Skeletal traction requires strict aseptic technique and close monitoring of the pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or odor.
C. “Clients with skin traction have more mobility than those with skeletal traction.”
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Clients with skin traction have less mobility than those with skeletal traction, because they have to keep their affected limb in a fixed position and avoid any movement that can loosen or dislodge the traction device. Clients with skeletal traction can have some mobility within the limits of the prescribed weight and counterweight of the traction system.
D. “Clients with skin traction have more discomfort than those with skeletal traction.”
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Clients with skin traction have less discomfort than those with skeletal traction, because they do not have any invasive procedure or hardware that can cause pain or irritation. Clients with skeletal traction may experience more discomfort from the insertion and removal of the pins, wires, or screws, as well as from the pressure or friction of the traction device on the bone or soft tissues.
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Similar Questions
During the assessment of a client who has a cast on his right leg, a nurse locates an area on the cast that feels warm to the touch. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
A. Uneven cast drying
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Uneven cast drying is not a complication that can cause a warm area on the cast. Cast drying is a normal process that occurs after the application of a plaster or synthetic cast. It can take several hours to days, depending on the type and thickness of the cast material. Uneven cast drying can cause some areas to be weter or harder than others, but it does not affect the temperature of the cast.
B. Poor circulation
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Poor circulation is not a complication that can cause a warm area on the cast. Poor circulation is a condition that occurs when the blood flow to the affected limb is reduced or impaired due to injury, swelling, or compression. Poor circulation can cause symptoms such as coldness, numbness, tingling, or pain in the limb. Poor circulation can also increase the risk of tissue damage or necrosis.
C. Pressure from the cast
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Pressure from the cast is not a complication that can cause a warm area on the cast. Pressure from the cast is a condition that occurs when the cast is too tight or too loose, or when it rubs against the skin or underlying tissues. Pressure from the cast can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, blisters, ulcers, or pressure sores. Pressure from the cast can also increase the risk of infection or nerve damage.
D. Infection
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Infection is a complication that can cause a warm area on the cast. Infection is a condition that occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the wound, bone, or soft tissues under the cast. Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, drainage, or odor from the wound site. Infection can also cause increased warmth or heat in the affected area, which can be detected through the cast. Infection can lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis, septicemia, or amputation if not treated promptly.
A nurse is assessing an older adult client who has osteoporosis. Which of the following spinal deformities should the
nurse expect to find in this client?
A. Scoliosis
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that causes a lateral curvature of the spine. It can affect people of any age, but it usually develops during childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis can be caused by congenital defects, neuromuscular disorders, injuries, or idiopathic factors. Scoliosis can cause symptoms such as uneven shoulders, hips, or waist, back pain, or breathing problems.
B. Lordosis
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Lordosis is a spinal deformity that causes an excessive inward curvature of the lower spine. It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in young children and pregnant women. Lordosis can be caused by poor posture, obesity, spinal injuries, or congenital defects. Lordosis can cause symptoms such as a protruding abdomen, back pain, or difficulty moving.
C. Kyphosis
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Kyphosis is a spinal deformity that causes an excessive outward curvature of the upper spine. It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults who have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle and prone to fractures. Kyphosis can be caused by compression fractures of the vertebrae due to osteoporosis, poor posture, spinal injuries, or congenital defects. Kyphosis can cause symptoms such as a hunched back, neck pain, or breathing problems.
D. Ankylosis
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Ankylosis is a condition that causes stiffness and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones. It can affect any joint in the body, but it is more common in the spine, especially in people who have an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosis can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, or deformity of the joint.
E. Ankylosis
A nurse is providing instructions for a 52-year-old client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The client reports that he has not had the procedure before and is very anxious about feeling pain during the procedure. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
A. "I know you're anxious, but this procedure is recommended for people your age.”
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. This response is dismissive and does not address the client's concern about pain. The nurse should acknowledge the client's anxiety and provide factual information about the procedure and pain management. The nurse should also avoid using age as a reason for recommending the procedure, as this may imply that the client is old or at risk for colon cancer.
B. "Don't worry; most clients dislike the prep more than the procedure itself.”
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. This response is trivializing and does not address the client's concern about pain. The nurse should acknowledge the client's anxiety and provide factual information about the procedure and pain management. The nurse should also avoid comparing the client's experience with others, as this may imply that the client is overreacting or being unreasonable.
C. "After you have signed the consent form, we can talk more about this.”
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. This response is delaying and does not address the client's concern about pain. The nurse should acknowledge the client's anxiety and provide factual information about the procedure and pain management before asking the client to sign the consent form. The nurse should also ensure that the client understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure and has an opportunity to ask questions.
D. "Before the examination, your provider will give you a sedative that will make you sleepy.”
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. This response is informative and addresses the client's concern about pain. The nurse acknowledges the client's anxiety and provides factual information about the procedure and pain management. The nurse explains that the provider will give the client a sedative that will make him sleepy and reduce his awareness of pain during the examination. The nurse also implies that the procedure will be done under moderate sedation, which means that the client will be able to breathe on his own and respond to verbal commands.