The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for a closed femur fracture. Which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse that the client is experiencing compartment syndrome?
Intact motor function of the lower extremity.
Pedal capillary refill time of 5 seconds.
Bounding dorsal pedal pulse.
Pallor to the lower extremity.
Numbness and tingling of the lower extremity.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Intact motor function is not a sign of compartment syndrome. Motor deficits, rather than intact function, would raise concern for this condition.
B. A capillary refill time of 5 seconds is prolonged and indicates impaired circulation, which is a sign of compartment syndrome.
C. A bounding pulse is not consistent with compartment syndrome. Pulses may initially remain normal but can diminish as the condition progresses.
D. Pallor to the lower extremity suggests compromised blood flow, which is a hallmark of compartment syndrome.
E. Numbness and tingling (paresthesia) indicate nerve compression, a common symptom of compartment syndrome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Flushed skin is typically associated with fever or infection, not with hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
B. Confusion is a common symptom of hyponatremia, especially when sodium levels drop significantly. The low sodium level affects brain function, leading to confusion, altered mental status, and even seizures in severe cases.
C. Extreme thirst is more commonly seen in hypernatremia (high sodium levels) as the body attempts to correct the imbalance by stimulating thirst.
D. Fever is not a direct consequence of hyponatremia but could be associated with an underlying infection or other conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encouraging the client to void every 5-6 hours is not appropriate for preventing complications in chronic pyelonephritis. Regular voiding every 2-3 hours is recommended to prevent urinary stasis and bacterial growth.
B. Limiting fluid intake to 1.5L/day is counterproductive in chronic pyelonephritis, as it increases the risk of concentrated urine and urinary tract infections.
C. While decreasing sodium intake may be beneficial in other conditions, it is not directly relevant to managing chronic pyelonephritis. The focus is on maintaining adequate hydration.
D. Increasing fluid intake to at least 3 L/day helps dilute the urine, reduce bacterial concentration, and flush out the urinary system, which is essential for managing and preventing further episodes of pyelonephritis.
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