A nurse is caring for a client who has a full arm cast and reports a pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is unrelieved by pain medication.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
Check the circulation of the affected extremity.
Administer additional pain medication.
Reposition the affected extremity.
Document the findings.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Checking the circulation of the affected extremity is crucial because the greatest risk to the client is neuromuscular injury resulting from compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when there’s increased pressure within the muscles, leading to decreased blood flow, which can cause muscle and nerve damage. Early detection and intervention are essential to prevent permanent damage.
Choice B rationale
Administering additional pain medication might provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of potential compartment syndrome. Pain unrelieved by medication is a key indicator of this condition, and addressing circulation is the priority.
Choice C rationale
Repositioning the affected extremity might help with comfort, but it does not address the potential for compartment syndrome. The primary concern is ensuring adequate blood flow to prevent tissue damage.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings is important for medical records, but it does not address the immediate risk of compartment syndrome. Immediate action to check circulation is necessary to prevent serious complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Friction rub is not a typical complication of endocarditis. It is more commonly associated with pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium.
Choice B rationale
Intermittent claudication is not a complication of endocarditis. It is typically associated with peripheral artery disease, which affects blood flow to the limbs.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac murmur is a common finding in endocarditis. The infection can cause damage to the heart valves, leading to abnormal heart sounds or murmurs.
Choice D rationale
Dependent rubor is not a complication of endocarditis. It is usually associated with peripheral artery disease and is characterized by redness of the lower extremities when they are in a dependent position.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While pain management is important, maintaining the airway is the priority intervention for a client with deep partial- and full-thickness burns to the face, chest, abdomen, and upper arms. Burns to the face and chest can cause airway edema and compromise breathing.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining the airway is the priority intervention during the resuscitation phase of injury for a client with burns to the face, chest, abdomen, and upper arms. Airway edema can develop rapidly, and securing the airway is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Choice C rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is important for monitoring urine output and fluid balance, but it is not the priority intervention. Airway management takes precedence in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Initiating fluid resuscitation is essential for managing burn shock and maintaining hemodynamic stability, but maintaining the airway is the priority intervention to ensure the client can breathe adequately.
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