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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A CT scan of the head is not indicated based on the laboratory findings provided. The priority intervention is related to the elevated potassium level.
B. Chvostek’s sign is associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), not hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
C. A chest X-ray is not the priority intervention for elevated potassium. The primary concern is the potential for cardiac arrhythmias related to the high potassium level.
D. Hyperkalemia (potassium 6.6 mEq/L) can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should obtain a 12-lead ECG to assess for any changes in the heart's electrical activity, which could indicate serious complications like arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
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