A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who recently returned to the PACU following pin placement for a radial head fracture with casting. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor when conducting a circulatory check for compartment syndrome?
Edema.
Mottling.
Urticaria.
Pulselessness.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Edema. Edema, the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, is not the primary indicator of compartment syndrome. While edema can occur due to various reasons, it's not specific to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome primarily involves increased pressure within a closed space (muscle compartment), which can compromise blood circulation and nerve function.
Choice B rationale:
Mottling. Mottling refers to a patchy, bluish discoloration of the skin that occurs due to poor blood circulation and is often seen in critically ill patients. While it might indicate circulatory issues, it's not a direct sign of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is more closely associated with symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, and decreased or absent pulses.
Choice C rationale:
Urticaria. Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, itchy, and red or white welts. It is typically caused by an allergic reaction or other factors such as medications. Urticaria is unrelated to compartment syndrome, which involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels within a closed anatomical compartment, leading to ischemia and potential tissue damage.
Choice D rationale:
Pulselessness. Pulselessness is a critical sign that the nurse should monitor when conducting a circulatory check for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a confined space (muscle compartment), leading to compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. The lack of a palpable pulse in the affected area suggests that blood flow is severely compromised. This is a late sign of compartment syndrome and requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and long-term complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administer two puffs of albuterol. This is the correct answer because albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to relieve acute asthma symptoms by opening up the airways. In a child experiencing difficulty breathing due to asthma, prompt administration of albuterol can help alleviate the symptoms and improve breathing.
Choice B rationale:
Place the child in the supine position. Placing the child in the supine position can further compromise their breathing, especially in a situation of asthma exacerbation. This position can restrict the airways and make breathing more difficult, so it is not an appropriate action.
Choice C rationale:
Encourage the use of a flutter mucus clearance device. While mucus clearance devices can be helpful for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, it is not the priority action for a child experiencing acute asthma symptoms. The immediate focus should be on relieving the airway constriction and addressing the breathing difficulty.
Choice D rationale:
Instruct the child to perform controlled breathing exercises. Controlled breathing exercises might be useful for anxiety and panic management, but in an acute asthma episode, the child's primary need is to open up the airways and improve breathing. Albuterol administration takes precedence over breathing exercises in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Insulin administration is not appropriate in this situation. The child's symptoms (slurred speech, diaphoresis, low blood glucose reading) indicate hypoglycemia, which is a state of low blood sugar. Administering insulin, which lowers blood glucose further, would exacerbate the hypoglycemia and could lead to more severe symptoms or even unconsciousness.
Choice B rationale:
Metformin is not indicated in this scenario. Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes mellitus. The child in the scenario has type 1 diabetes, which is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin production.
Choice C rationale:
Offering a 6 oz diet soft drink is not the appropriate intervention for hypoglycemia. Diet soft drinks do not contain significant amounts of sugar, which is needed to rapidly raise the child's blood glucose levels. In cases of hypoglycemia, a source of quickly absorbable sugar, such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice, is recommended.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a 6 oz regular soft drink is the appropriate intervention in this situation. The child is experiencing hypoglycemia, which means their blood glucose levels are dangerously low. Regular soft drinks contain rapidly absorbable sugar that can quickly raise the child's blood glucose levels, alleviating the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The child's symptoms, including slurred speech and diaphoresis, are indicative of a need for immediate intervention to raise blood sugar levels.
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