The nurse caring for a child who has been put into a leg cast must be on alert for signs of nerve and muscle damage.
Which symptom might be an early warning signal that the child has developed compartment syndrome?
Has blue-looking nail beds on the toes.
Has a weak femoral pulse.
Cannot plantarflex his foot.
Feels increasing severe pain.
The Correct Answer is D
Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment causes muscle and nerve damage along with pain.
One of the symptoms of compartment syndrome is severe pain that increases with the stretching of muscles.

Choice A is not correct because blue-looking nail beds on the toes are not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Choice B is not correct because a weak femoral pulse is not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Choice C is not correct because the inability to plantarflex the foot is not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A client who has a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg. Hypertension is a contraindication to oral contraceptives.
Choice B is incorrect because having a menstrual cycle every 14 days is not a contraindication to oral contraceptives.
Choice C is incorrect because having a hematocrit of 39% is not a contraindication to oral contraceptives.
Choice D is incorrect because being 15 years old and having acne is not a contraindication to oral contraceptives.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Muscular dystrophies are disorders associated with progressive degeneration of muscles, resulting in relentless and increasing weakness.
This is a general description of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic diseases that affect different types of muscles and cause various degrees of disability.
Children with muscular dystrophy may experience frequent falls, difficulty walking or running, muscle pain, learning difficulties, and breathing problems.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Choice B.
The extent of degeneration depends on performing daily physical therapy is incorrect, as physical therapy cannot prevent or reverse the degeneration of muscles caused by muscular dystrophy.
Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, prevent contractures and deformities, and improve mobility and function.
Choice C.
The child will be able to function normally and require no special accommodations is incorrect, as muscular dystrophy affects the child’s ability to perform daily activities and may require assistive devices, such as braces, wheelchairs, or ventilators.
The child may also need special education services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or psychological counseling to cope with the disease.
Choice D.
The weakness that the child is currently experiencing will probably not increase incorrectly, as muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease that causes muscle weakness to worsen over time.
The rate and severity of progression may vary depending on the type and subtype of muscular dystrophy.
Therefore, choice A is the best answer to this question.
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