The nurse is caring for a patient with a blunt trauma and tissue injury to the lower extremity. Which signs could develop in a patient with compartment syndrome?

Numbness and tingling in the opposite extremity

Severe. Increasing pain that is not relieved with opioids

Absence of pain in the affected extremity

Increased pain in the affected extremity upon ambulation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Numbness and tingling in the opposite extremity: These symptoms might suggest a neurological issue but are not related to compartment syndrome, which is localized to the affected limb and involves pressure within a muscle compartment.
B. Severe, increasing pain that is not relieved with opioids: This is a hallmark sign of compartment syndrome. The pain is disproportionate to the injury and does not respond to usual pain management, indicating increased pressure within the compartment.
C. Absence of pain in the affected extremity: Absence of pain is not a symptom of compartment syndrome. In fact, severe pain is one of the primary symptoms, along with other signs like swelling and decreased sensation.
D. Increased pain in the affected extremity upon ambulation: While pain with movement can occur with many conditions, in compartment syndrome, the severe pain typically occurs regardless of movement and is related to the pressure within the muscle compartment, not just with ambulation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Asks patient to self-position leg: This is not advisable because the patient may not have the strength or capability to safely reposition the leg, especially if they are in pain or sedated.
B. Monitors dampness of cast and avoids moving it until it is dry: The cast may need to be moved before it is completely dry, for example, for patient comfort or to prevent pressure ulcers. Delaying repositioning may cause complications.
C. Uses palms to move the cast: This is the correct method. Using the palms prevents indentations in the cast that could create pressure points and lead to skin breakdown. Fingers can create pressure points that can dent the cast, compromising its integrity and potentially causing skin issues.
D. Uses fingers to grasp cast: Using fingertips can create indentations in the cast, which can lead to pressure sores or improper bone alignment.

A. "It is caused by a tumor of the adrenal gland." B. The cause can be identified with magnetic resonance imaging." C. "The cause is unknown." D. "There are no tests to identify the cause." E. "An arteriogram will show why hypertension is occurring."

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. "It is caused by a tumor of the adrenal gland.": This statement is incorrect as a tumor of the adrenal gland (like a pheochromocytoma) would cause secondary hypertension, not primary hypertension, which has no identifiable cause.
B. "The cause can be identified with magnetic resonance imaging.": Primary hypertension does not have a specific identifiable cause, and imaging like MRI cannot pinpoint a cause for it. This statement indicates a misunderstanding.
C. "The cause is unknown.": This statement is correct for primary hypertension, as it is characterized by having no identifiable underlying cause.
D. "There are no tests to identify the cause.": This is correct for primary hypertension since it has no specific identifiable cause. The diagnosis is based on excluding other potential causes of secondary hypertension.
E. "An arteriogram will show why hypertension is occurring.": An arteriogram might identify blockages or other issues in the arteries, but it will not show the cause of primary hypertension. This indicates a need for further teaching.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with a blunt trauma and tissue injury to the lower extremity. Which signs could develop in a patient with compartment syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient sustains a closed fracture of the right tibia and is placed in a long-leg plaster cast, which is still damp. Which of the following methods does the nurse use to move the cast when repositioning it to prevent complications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

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