When providing care for a young client who has experienced a laceration of the gastrocnemius muscle due to a motorcycle collision,

QUESTION

100. A young client involved in a motorcycle collision experienced a laceration of the gastrocnemius muscle. Which instruction should the nurse to provide the practical nurse (PN) who is caring for this client? A. Elevate limb above the heart when lying in bed. B. Avoid plantar flexion of the affected limb. C. Perform range of motion on the affected limb. D. Avoid washing the limb when assisting with bathing.

ANSWER

When providing care for a young client who has experienced a laceration of the gastrocnemius muscle due to a motorcycle collision, it is essential for the practical nurse (PN) to be aware of proper instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. Among the provided options, the correct instruction for the PN to follow is:

Avoid plantar flexion of the affected limb

Avoiding plantar flexion of the affected limb is crucial to prevent straining and stressing the lacerated gastrocnemius muscle. Plantar flexion involves pointing the toes downward, which can put additional tension on the muscle and potentially disrupt the healing process. By instructing the client to avoid plantar flexion, the PN helps minimize the risk of further injury and promotes proper healing of the laceration.

Additionally, while the other options may also hold importance in the care of a lacerated gastrocnemius muscle, they are not the primary concern in this case:

Elevate limb above the heart when lying in bed: Elevating the limb above the heart can help reduce swelling, but it may not directly address the issue of plantar flexion and muscle strain.

Perform range of motion on the affected limb: Range of motion exercises should be performed cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid exacerbating the injury.

Avoid washing the limb when assisting with bathing: Proper hygiene is important to prevent infection, but it is not the primary concern in relation to preventing strain on the lacerated muscle.

In conclusion, instructing the practical nurse (PN) to advise the client to avoid plantar flexion of the affected limb is crucial for the proper care and healing of a laceration of the gastrocnemius muscle sustained in a motorcycle collision. This instruction aims to prevent additional stress on the muscle and promote optimal recovery.