A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client to the labor and delivery unit.

Exhibits

Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend including in the client's plan of care? For each potential recommendation, click to specify if the recommendation is anticipated or contraindicated for the client. There must be at least 1 selection in every row. There does not need to be a selection in every column.

Rationale for Correct Options:

Compartment syndrome is a serious complication that can occur after a fracture, particularly of a long bone like the femur. It results from increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue damage.

Edema of the toes suggests swelling, which may indicate increasing pressure within the affected limb. The adolescent is already reporting significant pain (7/10) and has required repeated doses of IV morphine, which may not be sufficient to relieve compartment syndrome pain (a key warning sign). If left untreated, compartment syndrome can cause nerve and muscle damage, ischemia, and even permanent disability.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a risk with immobilization, but it usually presents with unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected limb, not just toe edema.

Fat Embolism Syndrome: This occurs due to fat globules entering circulation after a long bone fracture. Symptoms include respiratory distress, mental status changes, and petechiae, which are not present here.

A. Diminished hearing. Hearing loss following a stapedectomy is expected due to postoperative swelling, packing in the ear, and fluid accumulation. Hearing typically improves as healing progresses. This does not require further action by the nurse.
B. Pupils. The preoperative and postoperative pupil assessments are similar (3.5 mm preoperatively and 3 mm postoperatively), and both are equal and reactive to light. No significant neurological change is noted, so this does not require further action.
C. Lung assessment. The lungs were clear bilaterally preoperatively, and there is no indication of respiratory compromise or abnormal lung sounds postoperatively. This does not require further action.
D. Facial nerve assessment. Facial nerve injury (cranial nerve VII dysfunction) is a potential complication of stapedectomy. The nurse should assess for asymmetry in facial movements such as difficulty smiling or drooping, weakness, or numbness, which could indicate facial nerve damage. This requires further action.
E. Vertigo. Postoperative vertigo and dizziness can occur due to disturbance of the inner ear during surgery. Severe or persistent vertigo may indicate labyrinthine injury or perilymph fistula, which could require medical intervention. This requires further action.
F. Pain rating. Postoperative pain is expected, but severe or increasing pain may indicate complications such as infection, excessive pressure in the middle ear, or improper prosthesis placement. Pain that is not relieved by analgesics requires further evaluation. This requires further action.