A client with a new right leg cast is complaining of increasing pain in that injured extremity. The nurse has administered analgesics and elevated the limb. Thirty minutes after administering the analgesics, the client states the pain is unrelieved. The nurse should recognize the warning signs of what complication?
Fat embolism
Subcutaneous emphysema
Disuse syndrome
Compartment syndrome
None of the above
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Fat embolism is not a likely complication of a leg cast, but a possible complication of a long bone fracture or a joint replacement surgery. It refers to the obstruction of the blood vessels by fat globules that are released from the bone marrow or adipose tissue. It can cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, or skin petechiae.
Choice B reason: Subcutaneous emphysema is not a common complication of a leg cast, but a rare complication of a chest trauma or a lung disease. It refers to the presence of air or gas in the subcutaneous tissue, which can cause swelling, crepitus, or pain in the affected area.
Choice C reason: Disuse syndrome is not an acute complication of a leg cast, but a chronic complication of prolonged immobility or inactivity. It refers to the deterioration of the body systems due to the lack of physical stimulation. It can cause muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, osteoporosis, or metabolic changes.
Choice D reason: Compartment syndrome is the most likely complication of a leg cast, as it indicates the increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg due to the swelling, bleeding, or inflammation. It can cause severe pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, or pulselessness of the affected limb. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent tissue necrosis or limb loss.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the complication of a leg cast.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect and indicates the need for further education. Failure to rescue is not the ability of the nurse to save a client's life, but the inability or failure to do so. It is defined as the death of a hospitalized client who experienced a potentially preventable complication.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue includes the failure of the nurse to report changes in a client's condition to the provider, which could delay the diagnosis and treatment of the complication.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue is the failure to recognize a client's condition is deteriorating, which could lead to missed opportunities for intervention and prevention of adverse outcomes.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct and does not indicate the need for further education. Failure to rescue involves the lack of managing complications, which could result in increased morbidity and mortality.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Institute of Medicine (IOM) research is not a method for developing procedures, but an organization that conducts health-related studies and provides recommendations for improving health care quality and safety.
Choice B reason: Evidence-based practice is the correct method for developing procedures. It is the process of integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make decisions about health care.
Choice C reason: Knowledge, skills, and attitude are not a method for developing procedures, but the components of competency that nurses need to provide safe and effective care.
Choice D reason: Core measures are not a method for developing procedures, but a set of standardized performance indicators that evaluate the quality of care for specific conditions or procedures.
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