A client is reporting pain in her casted leg. The nurse has administered analgesics and elevated the limb. Thirty minutes after administering the analgesics. the client states the pain is unrelieved. The nurse is unable to palpate the client's dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulse and the client's foot is pale. The nurse suspects compartment syndrome. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
Promptly inform the primary provider.
Reassess the client's neurovascular status in 15 minutes.
Warm the client's foot and determine whether circulation improves.
Reposition the client with the affected foot dependent.
The Correct Answer is A
Explanation:
A. Promptly inform the primary provider:
Explanation: Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If a nurse suspects compartment syndrome due to symptoms like severe unrelieved pain, absent pulses, and pale extremities, the most appropriate action is to promptly inform the primary healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, order necessary diagnostic tests, and potentially arrange for emergent interventions like fasciotomy to relieve compartment pressure.
B. Reassess the client's neurovascular status in 15 minutes:
Explanation: Waiting for 15 minutes to reassess the client's neurovascular status is not appropriate in this situation. Compartment syndrome can progress rapidly, leading to irreversible tissue damage within a short time frame. Delaying assessment and intervention can result in significant complications.
C. Warm the client's foot and determine whether circulation improves:
Explanation: Warming the foot is not appropriate in this context. Compartment syndrome is caused by increased pressure within the muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation. Warming the foot will not address the underlying issue of elevated compartment pressure and can potentially worsen the condition by dilating blood vessels and increasing pressure further.
D. Reposition the client with the affected foot dependent:
Explanation: Repositioning the client with the affected foot dependent is contraindicated in compartment syndrome. Elevating the limb can worsen the condition by further restricting blood flow. The limb should be kept at or slightly below the level of the heart to maintain adequate perfusion until medical intervention can be initiated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing range of motion:
Explanation: Range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, especially in clients with casts. However, this is not the first priority. Ensuring adequate circulation and perfusion is crucial before initiating any exercises or movements, as compromised circulation could lead to serious complications.
B. Managing pain:
Explanation: Pain management is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority in this context. Assessing circulation and ensuring there are no signs of compromised perfusion takes precedence. Pain management can follow once circulation has been confirmed as adequate.
C. Checking capillary refill:
Explanation: Checking capillary refill is the first priority when assessing a client with a cast. Capillary refill assesses peripheral circulation by pressing on the nail bed and observing how quickly color returns. Delayed capillary refill could indicate compromised blood flow, which is a serious concern and requires immediate intervention.
D. Discussing cast care:
Explanation: Educating the client about cast care is important, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring proper circulation and ruling out any signs of impaired perfusion must be addressed before discussing cast care instructions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Chronic pain - Chronic pain is a concern for the client, but addressing the underlying issue of ineffective tissue perfusion will help alleviate pain by promoting healing and reducing tissue damage.
B. Impaired skin integrity - Impaired skin integrity is a result of ineffective tissue perfusion. By addressing perfusion issues, skin integrity can be improved as tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients for healing.
C. Risk for injury - While clients with arterial insufficiency ulcers are at risk for injury, the immediate concern is addressing the ineffective tissue perfusion to prevent complications related to poor circulation, such as tissue necrosis and infection.
D. Ineffective tissue perfusion- Arterial insufficiency ulcers are caused by inadequate blood flow to the tissues. The priority issue for a client with an arterial insufficiency ulcer is ineffective tissue perfusion. Due to decreased blood flow, tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to delayed wound healing, tissue damage, and potential complications. Interventions should focus on improving circulation, promoting vasodilation, and enhancing perfusion to facilitate wound healing and prevent further tissue damage.
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