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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Hypertension is not a common finding in diabetes insipidus, but it may indicate increased intracranial pressure or other complications.
Choice B Reason: Fluid retention is not a common finding in diabetes insipidus, but it may indicate syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or heart failure.
Choice C Reason: Elevated blood glucose is not a common finding in diabetes insipidus, but it may indicate diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia.
Choice D Reason: Increased urine output is a common finding in diabetes insipidus, as the lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causes the kidneys to excrete large amounts of diluted urine.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Placing an ice pack on the lips if they swell is not an appropriate instruction for a client who is taking allopurinol, as it may indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B Reason: Using an OTC antihistamine lotion if a rash develops is not an appropriate instruction for a client who is taking allopurinol, as it may indicate a serious skin reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C Reason: Drinking at least 8 glasses of fluid every day is an appropriate instruction for a client who is taking allopurinol, as it helps to prevent kidney stones and flush out uric acid from the body.
Choice D Reason: Taking the medication on an empty stomach 2 hours before meals is not an appropriate instruction for a client who is taking allopurinol, as it may cause stomach upset or nausea. The medication should be taken after meals with plenty of water.
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