A child has a right femur fracture caused by a motor vehicle crash and is placed in skin traction temporarily until surgery can be preformed. During assessment, the nurse notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent on the right foot. Which action should the nurse take?
Notify the health care provider (HCP)
Administer an analgesic
Release the skin traction
Apply ice to the extremity
The Correct Answer is A
A. The absence of the dorsalis pedis pulse in the right foot is concerning and could indicate compromised circulation to the extremity. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider promptly so that further assessment and intervention can be initiated to address the circulation issue and prevent potential complications such as ischemia or tissue damage.
B. Administering an analgesic may be necessary to manage the child's pain, especially if they are experiencing discomfort due to the femur fracture. However, addressing the absent dorsalis pedis pulse takes priority as it suggests a potential vascular problem that requires immediate attention.
C. Releasing the skin traction may not be appropriate at this point without further assessment and guidance from the healthcare provider. Skin traction is often used to temporarily stabilize fractures and reduce pain, and releasing it without proper evaluation could potentially exacerbate the injury or compromise the child's comfort and stability.
D. Applying ice to the extremity is not indicated in this situation. Ice application is typically used for acute injuries to reduce swelling and inflammation, but it is not appropriate when there is concern about compromised circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Reye's syndrome is characterized by swelling of the brain (cerebral edema), which can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Monitoring for signs of increased ICP, such as changes in level of consciousness, headache, vomiting, and altered pupil size and reactivity, is crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent neurological deterioration.
A. Reye's syndrome primarily affects the liver and brain, leading to liver dysfunction and encephalopathy. While renal involvement can occur in some cases, the priority complication typically relates to liver dysfunction and neurological manifestations rather than renal impairment.
C. Hyperglycemia may be present due to liver dysfunction and altered glucose metabolism, but it is not the primary concern compared to neurological complications and hepatic failure.
D. Reye's syndrome is not caused by a bacterial infection; it is typically associated with viral illnesses, particularly influenza and varicella (chickenpox).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. A high-pitched cry, often described as a "crying in pain" or "irritable cry," can be a characteristic sign of meningitis in infants. The cry may sound different from the infant's usual cry and may be associated with irritability, discomfort, or pain. It can be indicative of increased intracranial pressure and neurological irritation caused by the inflammation of the meninges.
A. Constipation is not typically associated with meningitis in infants. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy.
B. A depressed anterior fontanel (sunken soft spot on the baby's head) is not a typical manifestation of meningitis. Meningitis may cause signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as a bulging fontanel, rather than a depressed fontanel.
C. he presence of the rooting reflex is not specific to meningitis. The rooting reflex is a normal reflex present in infants, where they turn their head toward a stimulus (such as stroking the cheek or corner of the mouth) in search of nourishment (typically the breast or bottle).
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