A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an external fixator to the left tibia.
Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
The client's capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.
The client reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site.
The client has an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F).
The client has 100 mL of blood in the closed-suction drain.
The Correct Answer is A
“The client’s capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.” Capillary refill time is the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure has been applied to the skin.

A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
A capillary refill time of 6 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the left toe and requires immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice B is not the correct answer because while a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site is concerning, it does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice C is not the correct answer because an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F) is only slightly elevated and does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice D is not the correct answer because while 100 mL of blood in a closed-suction drain may be concerning, it does not necessarily require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation

Edema, or swelling in the legs, is a common symptom of venous disease.
Hair loss distal to the client’s calves (choice B) is not a typical symptom of venous vascular disorder.
Leg pain at rest (choice C) can be a symptom of peripheral vascular disease but is not specific to venous vascular disorder.
An ulcer on the tip of a toe (choice D) can be a sign of arterial vascular disorder but is not specific to venous vascular disorder.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation

Colonics, also known as colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy, involves flushing the colon with fluids to remove waste and is not recommended for individuals with diverticulitis.
Choice A is wrong because acupuncture is not a contraindication for a client with diverticulitis.
Choice B is wrong because saw palmetto is not a contraindication for a client with diverticulitis.
Choice D is wrong because guided imagery is not a contraindication for a client with diverticulitis.
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