A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in a PACU.

Exhibits

Which of the following actions should the nurse take during the management of oxygenation for this client? Select all that apply.

Rationale:

A. Don sterile gloves prior to the procedure: Clean gloves, not sterile gloves, are required for a capillary blood glucose test since it is a clean, not sterile, procedure. Sterile technique is unnecessary and not cost-effective for this type of routine testing.

B. Hold the finger in an upright position prior to the procedure: The finger should be held in a dependent (downward) position to promote blood flow to the puncture site. Holding it upright may reduce perfusion and make obtaining an adequate sample more difficult.

C. Use the lateral tip of the finger to obtain specimen: The lateral sides of the fingertip have fewer nerve endings than the center and are more vascular, making them ideal for obtaining an adequate blood sample with minimal discomfort to the client.

D. Discard the lancet in the trash container: Lancets are sharp instruments and must be discarded in an approved sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries and ensure proper infection control. Disposing of them in regular trash poses a safety hazard.

Rationale:
• Compartment syndrome: Casts can restrict swelling, increasing pressure within the compartment. Moderate toe edema and capillary refill slowing from brisk to 3 seconds are warning signs. Without prompt intervention, tissue perfusion may decline, leading to ischemia.

• Edema of toes: Progressive edema signals impaired venous return or rising intracompartmental pressure. It reflects worsening limb status under the cast. This change, with slowed refill, supports risk for compartment syndrome.

• Malunion: Malunion develops over weeks due to misalignment during healing. No imaging or prolonged healing time is reported. Acute symptoms like swelling and pain don’t indicate this long-term issue.

• Physeal damage: Growth plate injury would affect long-term limb development. The adolescent shows intact toe movement and normal limb function otherwise. No evidence of joint or bone disruption is presented.

• Inability to ambulate: The femur fracture and cast already restrict ambulation. Lack of walking is expected at this stage. It doesn't suggest any specific complication like infection or compartment syndrome.

• Infection: Fever is low-grade and expected post-injury or from opioids. No redness, drainage, or systemic illness is present. Pain is stable and localized, not escalating or spreading.

• Decreased dorsalis pedis pulse: Pulses are 2+, meaning circulation is present and adequate. Decreased or absent pulse would indicate severe compromise, but that is not seen here. It does not reflect early compartment syndrome.