A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a short arm cast for a fractured wrist. Which of the following findings indicates impaired venous return in the affected arm?
Auscultation of lungs revealing wheezing
A bounding distal pulse
Fever
Pain unrelieved by opioid analgesic
The Correct Answer is D
a. Auscultation of lungs revealing wheezing is not related to venous return in the affected arm. Wheezing is
a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing and is usually a sign of a respiratory problem.
b. A bounding distal pulse indicates strong arterial blood flow, which is not a sign of impaired venous return. Impaired venous return would more likely result in a weak or absent pulse.
c. Fever could indicate infection but is not specific to impaired venous return. It's a systemic sign that may or may not be related to the cast or the fracture.
d. Pain that is unrelieved by opioid analgesics can be a sign of compartment syndrome, which is a serious complication that can result from impaired venous return and increased pressure within the muscle compartments. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
The nurse should identify absence of pulse, altered sensation of the toes, and cool skin as possible manifestations of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur following surgery or injury. It is characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment that can lead to decreased blood flow and nerve damage.
Pain relieved by narcotics and capillary refill of 1 second are not manifestations of compartment syndrome. Pain relieved by narcotics is a normal response to pain medication. Capillary refill of 1 second is within the normal range and does not indicate compartment syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client for lethargy as a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a rise in pressure around the brain that can occur due to various reasons such as brain injury, bleeding into the brain, swelling in the brain, or an increase in cerebrospinal fluid. Lethargy (feeling less alert than usual) is a common symptom of increased ICP.
a. Nuchal rigidity is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
b. Batle's sign is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
c. Polyuria is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
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