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 D
Explanation
A postpartum fever is defined as a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C) on at least two occasions.
These fevers cannot be ignored as they can represent serious infections. The first task is to identify the source.
Choice A is not correct because continuing to monitor for another hour may delay necessary treatment.
Choice B is not correct because administering an antipyretic may only treat the symptom and not address the underlying cause of the fever.
Choice C is not correct because assisting the client in ambulation does not address the underlying cause of the fever.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Paresthesia refers to an abnormal sensation of the skin, such as numbness, tingling, or burning.
When the nurse observes for diminished or absent sensation and numbness or tingling, they are monitoring for paresthesia.
Choice A is not correct because pain is not the symptom being monitored in this case.
Choice B is not correct because paralysis is not the symptom being monitored in this case.
Choice D is not correct because pallor refers to the paleness of the skin and is not the symptom being monitored in this case.
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