The nurse can best prevent foot drop for the bed rest client by the use of?

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

A splint is a rigid device specifically designed to maintain a joint in a functional position.
To prevent foot drop, the splint holds the foot in dorsiflexion (toes pointing up at a 90-degree angle to the leg).
This position counteracts the constant pull of gravity that causes the foot to drop into plantar flexion.
By preventing plantar flexion, the splint stops the Achilles tendon and calf muscles from shortening and forming a contracture.

Option A: Traction uses weights and pulleys to apply a pulling force, primarily to align fractured bones or reduce muscle spasms.
Option C: A bed cradle is a frame that keeps the weight of top linens off the patient's feet. It prevents pressure from the bedding but does not provide any support to maintain the foot's position.
Option D: Railings (side rails) are a safety feature to prevent patients from falling out of bed and to provide a handhold for repositioning.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Prevention of complications of immobility, specifically foot drop to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Preventing foot drop is a critical nursing responsibility as it directly impacts a patient's mobility, independence, and fall risk upon recovery.
Early and consistent intervention with positioning devices and range-of-motion exercises is essential for all patients on prolonged bed rest.
What if? If a splint is not available, the nurse can improvise by using high-top athletic shoes (sneakers) worn by the patient, which can also help maintain the foot in a neutral position.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core problem: the question asks for the 'best' way to prevent 'foot drop' in a 'bed rest' client.
Understand the pathophysiology of foot drop: It's a contracture caused by gravity pulling the foot into a plantar-flexed (downward-pointing) position over time.
Therefore, the correct intervention must actively counteract this gravitational pull by holding the foot in a neutral or dorsiflexed (upward-pointing) position.
Evaluate each option's primary function:
Traction: Pulls on bones for alignment.
Splint: Immobilizes a joint in a specific position.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prevention of complications of immobility, specifically foot drop.
Stem keywords: prevent foot drop, bed rest client
Lead-in keywords: best

QTtCSl--g5ZFPDJWKsVEw-

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 328-330

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 127-129

Practise the full BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.