A nurse is assessing the neurovascular status of a client who has had a leg cast recently applied. The nurse cannot palpate the client's dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulse, and the client's foot is pale. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
Promptly inform the primary care provider
Reposition the client with the affected foot-dependent
Warm the client's foot and determine whether circulation improves.
Reassess the client's neurovascular status in 15 minutes
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Absent pulses and a pale foot are signs of compromised circulation, which may indicate compartment syndrome or arterial occlusion. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation and intervention by the primary care provider.
B. Repositioning the foot may not resolve the issue and delays necessary medical attention.
C. Warming the foot is inappropriate when signs of impaired circulation are present; it can mask symptoms and delay emergency care.
D. Delaying reassessment may result in permanent tissue damage if the issue is not addressed promptly. Immediate action is required.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Pain radiating to the left shoulder and worsening with deep breathing (Kehr’s sign) is more indicative of splenic injury, not appendicitis.
B. Pain from appendicitis typically worsens with movement and does not improve with eating; improvement with food is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease.
C. Left lower quadrant pain is more consistent with diverticulitis, not appendicitis.
D. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point with rebound tenderness is a hallmark sign of acute appendicitis, making this the most indicative finding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While reviewing fluid balance is important, it is not the priority in response to symptoms of hyperglycemia.
B. Reducing the TPN rate without verifying the cause of symptoms could lead to undernourishment or abrupt changes in glucose levels.
C. Blurred vision, dry mouth, and frequent urination are classic signs of hyperglycemia. Since TPN contains high levels of glucose, a finger-stick blood glucose check is the priority to confirm and address potential hyperglycemia.
D. Vital signs are important, but do not directly assess the suspected cause of the client's symptoms in this case.
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