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: Redness and warmth of affected extremity are not signs of compartment syndrome, but they may indicate other conditions such as infection or inflammation.
Choice B Reason: Slow capillary refill is a sign of compartment syndrome, as it indicates that there is impaired blood flow to the tissues due to increased pressure within the fascial compartment.
Choice C Reason: Reduced level of consciousness is not a sign of compartment syndrome, but it may indicate other serious conditions such as head injury, stroke, or hypoxia.
Choice D Reason: Pain and bleeding are not specific signs of compartment syndrome, but they may occur due to the fracture or other causes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Sharing personal hygiene items like razors is not a common way of spreading hepatitis A, but it may transmit hepatitis B or C, which are blood-borne infections.
Choice B Reason: Unprotected sexual activity is not a common way of spreading hepatitis A, but it may transmit hepatitis B or C, or other sexually transmitted infections.
Choice C Reason: Eating uncooked foods is a common way of spreading hepatitis A, as the virus can contaminate food or water that has been exposed to fecal matter from an infected person.
Choice D Reason: Getting a tattoo is not a common way of spreading hepatitis A, but it may transmit hepatitis B or C, or other blood-borne infections, if the equipment is not properly sterilized.
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