A nurse is doing her assessment on a client who suffered a crush injury with multiple fractures to his lower leg. The nurse notices the client has increasing edema to the affected leg since the last assessment. Also, the client also reports the last pain medication did not help them at all with their pain and they feel the pain is worsening. The increasing edema and unrelieved increasing pain are indications of which of the following complications from a crush injury?

Choice A reason:

Preparing to take the client for a STAT CT of the head is crucial to quickly diagnose a possible stroke. Rapid imaging is essential to determine the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), guiding appropriate treatment and improving outcomes. This immediate action is key in stroke management.

Choice B reason:

Administering rtPA is an appropriate intervention for an ischemic stroke but only after confirmation through imaging. Without imaging, there is a risk of worsening a potential hemorrhagic stroke. Hence, it is not the initial priority before confirming the diagnosis.

Choice C reason:

Notifying a speech pathologist for an emergency consult is relevant for assessing and managing speech and swallowing issues but is not the immediate priority. The primary focus should be on diagnosing and addressing the cause of the acute symptoms.

Choice D reason:

Discussing precipitating factors that caused the symptoms can be part of the assessment but is not the priority in the acute phase. Immediate imaging and medical intervention take precedence to mitigate the effects of a potential stroke.

Choice A reason:

Esophageal reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can lead to Barrett's esophagus if left untreated. Chronic acid exposure from GERD causes changes in the esophageal lining, increasing the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition requiring monitoring and management.

Choice B reason:

Eating hot and spicy food may exacerbate symptoms of GERD but is not a direct cause of Barrett's esophagus. It can irritate the esophageal lining temporarily but does not lead to the cellular changes associated with Barrett's esophagus.

Choice C reason:

Frequent episodes of vomiting can damage the esophagus and lead to other complications but are not specifically linked to the development of Barrett's esophagus. The primary cause is chronic acid reflux rather than mechanical or chemical irritation from vomiting.

Choice D reason:

Esophageal polyps are growths that can occur in the esophagus but are not related to Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus results from prolonged acid exposure and cellular changes, whereas polyps are distinct growths that may require different monitoring and management strategies.