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 ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Heat intolerance is a common finding in hyperthyroidism, as the increased metabolic rate causes the body to produce more heat and sweat.
Choice B Reason: Diarrhea is a common finding in hyperthyroidism, as the increased motility of the gastrointestinal tract causes more frequent and loose stools.
Choice C Reason: Weight loss is a common finding in hyperthyroidism, as the increased metabolism and appetite cause the body to burn more calories than it consumes.
Choice D Reason: Weight gain is not a common finding in hyperthyroidism, but it may indicate other conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome.
Choice E Reason: Bradycardia is not a common finding in hyperthyroidism, but it may indicate other conditions such as heart block or beta-blocker use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Lantus is not a type of insulin that can treat this client, as it is a long-acting insulin that has no peak effect and lasts for 24 hours.
Choice B Reason: NPH is not a type of insulin that can treat this client, as it is an intermediate-acting insulin that peaks in 6 to 8 hours and lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
Choice C Reason: Regular is a type of insulin that can treat this client, as it is a short-acting insulin that peaks in 2 to 4 hours and lasts for 6 to 8 hours. It can be used to correct high blood glucose levels and treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is indicated by confusion, flushing, and acetone breath.
Choice D Reason: Lispro is not a type of insulin that can treat this client, as it is a rapid-acting insulin that peaks in 30 minutes and lasts for 3 to 5 hours. It can be used to cover meals or snacks but not to treat DKA.
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