First Take Care of the Client, Then the Equipment

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The NCLEX-PN^® exam tests your ability to use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments. It is very important that you remember to:

• Take care of the client first.
• Take care of the equipment second.

Look at the following question.

1. A client who sustained a left femur fracture in a motor vehicle accident is being treated with balanced-suspension skeletal traction using a Thomas splint and a Pearson attachment. The client reports “terrible” pain in the left thigh. Which of the following should the LPN/LVN do first?
   1. Determine that the traction weights and ropes are aligned and hanging free.
   2. Ask the client about the characteristics and location of the pain.
   3. Check the Thomas splint and Pearson attachment for proper positioning.
   4. Explain to client that pain in the affected leg is expected.

Let’s review the answers:

1. Determine that traction weights and ropes are aligned and hanging free. This answer choice has you checking the equipment, not the client. Your first concern should be the client, not the traction. Eliminate this answer.
2. Ask the client about the characteristics and location of the pain. This answer choice focuses on the client first. Pain should be thoroughly investigated by the LPN/LVN. Keep in this answer for consideration.
3. Check the Thomas splint and Pearson attachment for proper positioning. This answer choice also has you checking the equipment, not the client. Your first concern should be the client. Eliminate.
4. Explain to client that pain in the affected leg is expected. Any reports of pain should be thoroughly investigated by the LPN/LVN, because complaints of pain are considered abnormal. Eliminate.

The correct answer is (2).