assessment of a client with a cast should include

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions

1. What should be included in the assessment of a client with a cast?

A. capillary refill, warm toes, no discomfort.
B. posterior tibial pulses, warm toes.
C. moist skin essential, pain threshold.
D. discomfort of the metacarpals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a client with a cast, it is crucial to check for capillary refill to ensure adequate circulation. Warm toes indicate good circulation, while the absence of discomfort suggests the cast is not causing any pain or undue pressure on the client. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the essential components of assessing a client with a cast.

2. When a client has a chest drainage system in place, where should the system be placed?

A. above the level of the client's chest
B. at the level of the client's shoulders
C. at the level of the chest
D. below the level of the chest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A chest drainage system should be placed below the level of the client's chest to ensure proper drainage of fluid from the chest. Placing the system above the level of the chest or at the shoulders would not allow gravity to assist in the drainage process, potentially leading to complications such as fluid accumulation. Similarly, placing it at the level of the chest would not create the necessary gravity-dependent flow for effective drainage, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the chest drainage system.

3. When observing a dressing change by a graduate nurse on a Stage III pressure ulcer to the greater trochanter by the staff nurse, a need for further teaching is indicated after the following observation by the nurse:

A. The new graduate nurse irrigates the pressure ulcer with 50cc of NS.
B. The new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide.
C. The new graduate packs the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in NS.
D. The new graduate applies a Duoderm dressing over the wound after cleansing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide. Pressure ulcers should not be cleaned with substances that are cytotoxic, such as hydrogen peroxide or betadine. This can cause further damage to the wound and delay the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because irrigating the pressure ulcer with normal saline is an appropriate practice. Choice C is incorrect because packing the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in normal saline is also an appropriate step. Choice D is incorrect because applying a Duoderm dressing after cleansing is a standard procedure in wound care.

4. While observing a client using crutches for a leg injury, which action would indicate a need for more education by the LPN?

A. The client places the top padding 1-2 inches below the axilla with a firm grip on the handles.
B. The client rests the axilla on the top padding and loosely grips the handles with hands.
C. The client has a slight bend in the elbow when using the handles.
D. When going down the stairs, the client leads with the injured leg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Resting the axilla on the top padding can cause nerve damage; instead, the client should place the top padding 1-2 inches below the axilla with a firm grip on the handles for proper support and stability while using crutches. Having a slight bend in the elbow when using the handles (choice C) is a correct technique to ensure proper weight distribution. Leading with the uninjured leg when going down the stairs (choice D) is the correct way to maintain balance and prevent further injury to the injured leg. Therefore, choice B indicates a need for more education to prevent potential nerve damage and ensure safe crutch use.

5. Which of the following indicates a hazard for a client on oxygen therapy?

A. A 'No Smoking' sign is on the door.
B. The client is wearing a synthetic gown.
C. Electrical equipment is grounded.
D. Matches are removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the client is wearing a synthetic gown. A synthetic gown might generate sparks of static electricity, which can be a fire hazard, especially in the presence of oxygen. Clients on oxygen therapy should wear cotton gowns to minimize the risk of fire. The other options are not hazards for a client on oxygen therapy: having a 'No Smoking' sign on the door promotes safety by preventing smoking, ensuring electrical equipment is grounded reduces the risk of electrical hazards, and removing matches decreases the risk of fire hazards.