A client is reporting pain in her casted leg and the nurse notes some swelling distal to the cast. The nurse has administered analgesics and elevated the limb. Thirty minutes after administering the analgesics, the client states the pain is unrelieved. The nurse should identify the warning signs of what complication?

Compartment syndrome

Muscle wasting

Skin breakdown

Joint Stiffness

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Compartment syndrome. The client’s unrelieved pain, despite analgesics, and the presence of swelling distal to the cast are warning signs of compartment syndrome. This is a medical emergency that occurs when increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment reduces blood flow, leading to tissue damage and pain.

B. Muscle wasting. Muscle wasting typically occurs over time due to disuse and is not a sudden, acute complication like compartment syndrome.

C. Skin breakdown. Skin breakdown could occur from improper cast fitting or prolonged pressure, but it would not cause unrelieved pain in the same way as compartment syndrome.

D. Joint stiffness. Joint stiffness can occur in casted limbs after removal, but it is not an acute complication like compartment syndrome.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Atrial tachycardia: Atrial tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the atria, but it does not have the characteristic "sawtooth" pattern seen in atrial flutter.

B. Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic rhythm originating from the ventricles, characterized by irregular, rapid waves with no discernible P waves or QRS complexes.

C. Atrial flutter: Atrial flutter is recognized by a "sawtooth" pattern of P waves, indicating rapid atrial depolarizations.

D. Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is a slow but regular rhythm originating from the sinus node, with normal P waves and QRS complexes.

A. Hold the medication and notify the HCP B. Administer the medication as ordered. C. Prepare to administer vitamin K (AquaMephyton). D. Assess the client for abnormal bleeding. E. Fat embolism

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Hold the medication and notify the HCP: This is unnecessary. An INR of 2.7 is within the therapeutic range for a client with a mechanical valve replacement (2.5 to 3.5). No intervention is required.

B. Administer the medication as ordered: The INR of 2.7 is within the desired therapeutic range for clients on warfarin with mechanical valve replacements, so the nurse should proceed with the prescribed dose.

C. Prepare to administer vitamin K (AquaMephyton): Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin if the INR is too high (usually greater than 5).

D. Assess the client for abnormal bleeding: While important, this is not the first action. The INR is within the therapeutic range, so the priority is to administer the medication.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is documenting a client’s assessment. The rhythm below was obtained from the client’s cardiac monitor. How should the nurse document this strip?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client with a mechanical valve replacement. The client's INR is 2.7. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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