A client with a fracture of the left arm that has been set in a cast complains of severe, diffuse pain that is unrelieved by pain medication. The nurse notes that the pulse distal to the site of injury has weakened and that the tissue is pale. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse perform first?
Contact the health care provider.
Administer PRN pain medication.
Document the findings.
Elevate the extremity.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: Contacting the health care provider is the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it indicates that the client may have compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and nerve damage.
Choice B Reason: Administering PRN pain medication is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may not relieve the pain and may mask the symptoms of compartment syndrome.
Choice C Reason: Documenting the findings is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may delay the treatment and worsen the outcome of compartment syndrome.
Choice D Reason: Elevating the extremity is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may decrease blood flow and increase tissue ischemia in compartment syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Black cohosh is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings.
Choice B Reason: Cranberry juice is an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, as it may inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract and lower urine pH.
Choice C Reason: Saw palmetto is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, or hesitancy.
Choice D Reason: Echinacea is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for immune system support or wound healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Drinking white wine, not red, is not an indication that the client understands the instructions, as both types of wine are high in purine and may trigger gout attacks.
Choice B Reason: Limiting the number of fruit servings I eat each day is not an indication that the client understands the instructions, as most fruits are low in purine and may help to lower uric acid levels.
Choice C Reason: Avoiding eating organ meats is an indication that the client understands the instructions, as organ meats are very high in purine and may increase uric acid levels and cause gout flare-ups.
Choice D Reason: Choosing red meat instead of poultry is not an indication that the client understands the instructions, as both red meat and poultry are high in purine and may worsen gout symptoms.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today