A client arrives speaking only Spanish. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Choice A reason: This is the highest priority client because sudden and increasing pain in a fractured arm can indicate a complication, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. Infection is a condition where microorganisms invade the wound site, causing inflammation, pus, and fever. Nerve damage is a condition where the nerves are injured by the fracture, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. The nurse should see this client first and assess the arm for any signs of these complications, such as swelling, pallor, loss of sensation, or impaired movement. The nurse should also elevate the arm, loosen any bandages or casts, and administer pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a fractured ankle is a common and stable condition that affects the lower extremity. A glass of water is a comfort and hydration need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and provide the glass of water, as well as monitor the ankle for any signs of complications, such as edema, infection, or impaired circulation.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest priority client because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and manageable condition that affects the joints. A scheduled pain medication is a routine and preventive need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and administer the pain medication, as well as assess the joints for any signs of inflammation, stiffness, or deformity.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a discharge teaching is a discharge and education need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client last and teach the client how to use the crutches, as well as provide any other discharge instructions, such as wound care, activity restrictions, or followup appointments.

Choice A reason: Fistula is a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin. Fistula can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, trauma, surgery, or congenital defect. Fistula can cause pain, bleeding, discharge, or leakage of fluids or gases from the affected organs or tissues. Fistula can also increase the risk of infection, obstruction, or perforation of the involved organs or tissues.

Choice B reason: Hemorrhage is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an excessive or uncontrolled bleeding from the wound site. Hemorrhage can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, infection, or coagulation disorder. Hemorrhage can cause pain, swelling, bruising, or shock at the wound site. Hemorrhage can also lead to blood loss, anemia, or hypovolemia.

Choice C reason: Infection is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the wound site. Infection can occur as a result of contamination, poor hygiene, or impaired immunity. Infection can cause pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the wound site. Infection can also trigger inflammation, fever, or systemic illness.

Choice D reason: Evisceration is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is a protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the wound site. Evisceration can occur as a result of dehiscence, which is a separation or splitting open of the wound edges. Evisceration can cause pain, bleeding, or shock at the wound site. Evisceration can also expose the internal organs or tissues to injury, infection, or necrosis.