A client with a fracture of the left arm that has been set in a cast complains of severe, diffuse pain that is unrelieved by pain medication. The nurse notes that the pulse distal to the site of injury has weakened and that the tissue is pale. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse perform first?
Contact the health care provider.
Administer PRN pain medication.
Document the findings.
Elevate the extremity.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: Contacting the health care provider is the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it indicates that the client may have compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and nerve damage.
Choice B Reason: Administering PRN pain medication is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may not relieve the pain and may mask the symptoms of compartment syndrome.
Choice C Reason: Documenting the findings is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may delay the treatment and worsen the outcome of compartment syndrome.
Choice D Reason: Elevating the extremity is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may decrease blood flow and increase tissue ischemia in compartment syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Painful urination is not a common finding in BPH, but it may indicate a urinary tract infection or bladder stones.
Choice B Reason: Decreased urinary stream is a common finding in BPH, as the enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine.
Choice C Reason: Critically elevated PSA level is not a common finding in BPH, but it may indicate prostate cancer or prostatitis.
Choice D Reason: Urge incontinence is not a common finding in BPH, but it may indicate an overactive bladder or neurogenic bladder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Black cohosh is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings.
Choice B Reason: Cranberry juice is an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, as it may inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract and lower urine pH.
Choice C Reason: Saw palmetto is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, or hesitancy.
Choice D Reason: Echinacea is not an herbal supplement that can help prevent UTIs, but it may be used for immune system support or wound healing.
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