A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who recently returned to the PACU following pin placement for a radial head fracture with casting. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor when conducting a circulatory check for compartment syndrome?
Edema.
Mottling.
Urticaria.
Pulselessness.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Edema. Edema, the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, is not the primary indicator of compartment syndrome. While edema can occur due to various reasons, it's not specific to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome primarily involves increased pressure within a closed space (muscle compartment), which can compromise blood circulation and nerve function.
Choice B rationale:
Mottling. Mottling refers to a patchy, bluish discoloration of the skin that occurs due to poor blood circulation and is often seen in critically ill patients. While it might indicate circulatory issues, it's not a direct sign of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is more closely associated with symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, and decreased or absent pulses.
Choice C rationale:
Urticaria. Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, itchy, and red or white welts. It is typically caused by an allergic reaction or other factors such as medications. Urticaria is unrelated to compartment syndrome, which involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels within a closed anatomical compartment, leading to ischemia and potential tissue damage.
Choice D rationale:
Pulselessness. Pulselessness is a critical sign that the nurse should monitor when conducting a circulatory check for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a confined space (muscle compartment), leading to compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. The lack of a palpable pulse in the affected area suggests that blood flow is severely compromised. This is a late sign of compartment syndrome and requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and long-term complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pain following range-of-motion exercises is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider. It could indicate the possibility of complications, such as further injury or impaired healing. Adolescents with fractured bones are often encouraged to perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. However, increased pain during or after these exercises could indicate problems like muscle strain or improper alignment of the fracture, which need to be addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Pruritus (itching) under the cast is common and can be expected due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sweat. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it's not an urgent concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Strategies to alleviate itching, such as using a cool blow dryer under the cast, can be taught to the client.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent is a normal response to gravity and is not an alarming finding. Swelling when the extremity is dependent is expected, especially within the initial stages of fracture healing. It suggests that the blood supply is reaching the area for healing purposes. Elevation and rest can help reduce the swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Coolness of the toes could be due to reduced blood flow, but this finding alone may not be an immediate concern. It's essential to consider the client's overall circulation, capillary refill, and presence of pulses. If other signs of impaired circulation, such as pallor or delayed capillary refill, are present along with coolness, it might indicate compromised vascular supply. However, based on the information provided, this choice is not as urgent as reporting pain following range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Rotavirus vaccine is typically administered to infants, usually starting at 2 months of age, to protect against severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus infection. However, the child in question is 11 years old, and the rotavirus vaccine is not recommended for administration at this age. The vaccine's protection window is within the infant and early childhood period, and the child would likely have received this vaccine earlier.
Choice B rationale:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Hib vaccine is recommended as a series of doses to protect against Haemophilus influenzae type B infection, which can lead to severe illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia. While the child may have received this vaccine in infancy, a booster dose is often recommended around age 11 to ensure ongoing protection. This choice is correct for the given age group.
Choice C rationale:
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at age 1 and the second dose administered at least 6 months later. The child in question is 11 years old, and assuming the child received the vaccine as per the standard schedule, there would be no need to administer this vaccine again.
Choice D rationale:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents to protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus that can lead to various cancers later in life. It's usually administered in a series of doses starting around age 11 or 12. However, the prompt states that the child is already up-to-date with current immunizations, and if the child received the HPV vaccine at the appropriate age, there would be no need for another dose at this time.
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