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 B
Explanation
The nurse should identify infection as a complication to the client's condition. A warm area on the cast could indicate the presence of an underlying infection. The warmth could be due to an increase in blood flow to the area as the body tries to fight off the infection.
Uneven cast drying, pressure from the cast, and poor circulation are not complications that would cause a warm area on the cast. Uneven cast drying could cause discomfort but would not result in warmth. Pressure from the cast could cause skin breakdown but would not result in warmth. Poor circulation could cause coolness or pallor but would not result in warmth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should reinforce to the client that Buck's traction promotes relief from muscle spasms. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for fractures of the femur and hip². It uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes to position a limb near the fracture and then applies pressure using weights and pulleys. One of the goals of Buck's traction is to lessen or eliminate muscular spasms.
a. Reduction of the fracture is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction.
b. Support for moving the extremity is not a primary outcome of Buck's traction.
c. Alignment of the pins is not applicable to Buck's traction as it does not involve inserting pins into the
bone.

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