A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured arm in a cast. Which of the following findings about the affected arm should the nurse report to the provider?
Active movement is present
Pain is 4 on scale of 0 to 10
Capillary refit is less than 2 seconds
Skin is cool to the touch
The Correct Answer is D
A. Active movement is present: The presence of active movement in the fingers and toes of the affected arm indicates that nerve and muscle function are intact, which is a positive finding. It indicates there is no impairment in function of the affected arm.
B. Pain is 4 on scale of 0 to 10: A pain level of 4 is moderate pain and might be expected after a fracture. As long as pain is being managed appropriately with prescribed medications and no other concerning symptoms are present, it does not necessarily require immediate reporting.
C. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds: A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is normal. This suggests good blood flow to the affected arm and is not an issue that needs reporting.
D. Skin is cool to the touch: A cool skin temperature on the affected arm could indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to swelling or tightness of the cast, which could lead to compartment syndrome—a serious condition that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Powered-standing assist lift: A powered-standing assist lift is appropriate for a cooperative client with upper body strength who is non-weight bearing. It allows the client to participate by supporting themselves with their arms while the device safely moves them from the bed to a chair without bearing weight on their lower extremities.
B. Draw sheet: A draw sheet is typically used for repositioning a client in bed, not for transferring them from bed to chair. It does not provide the mechanical support needed to lift and transfer a non-weight-bearing client safely.
C. Gait belt: A gait belt is useful for clients who can bear weight to some degree and require minimal assistance during transfers. Since this client is non-weight-bearing, a gait belt alone would not provide adequate support and could lead to injury.
D. Full body sling lift: A full body sling lift is used for clients who are non-weight bearing and lack the ability to assist in transfers. Since the client described here is cooperative and has upper body strength, a full sling would not be necessary and may restrict their participation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Changing a sterile dressing for a client who is postoperative: Changing a sterile dressing requires the use of sterile technique and nursing judgment, making it a task that must be performed by a licensed nurse, not delegated to assistive personnel.
B. Performing a gastrostomy feeding on a stable client: While assistive personnel can assist with feeding in general, administering a gastrostomy feeding requires specific assessment and verification of tube placement, which must be done by a licensed nurse.
C. Observing the patency of an intravenous catheter on a stable client: Observing and assessing IV catheter patency is a nursing responsibility. It requires assessment skills and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.
D. Providing postmortem care to a client: Providing postmortem care, such as bathing, positioning, and preparing the body, is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel, following proper facility protocols and respectful handling of the deceased.
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