A nurse is monitoring a client's lower extremity following the placement of a cast earlier in the day. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as manifestations of compartment syndrome? (Select all that apply.)
Pale-colored toes
Decreased skin turgor
Pain relieved by analgesia
Diminished capillary refill
Sensation of tingling
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Pale-colored toes are a sign of compromised circulation, which is a key manifestation of compartment syndrome. Decreased blood flow to the affected limb can cause pallor, which requires immediate intervention to prevent permanent damage.
B. Decreased skin turgor is incorrect. Skin turgor is an indicator of hydration status and is not directly related to compartment syndrome.
C. Pain relieved by analgesia is incorrect. One of the hallmark signs of compartment syndrome is severe pain that is not relieved by analgesia and worsens with passive movement.
D. Diminished capillary refill is correct. Delayed capillary refill (longer than 2 seconds) suggests poor perfusion, which can indicate increased pressure within the compartment.
E. Sensation of tingling is correct. Paresthesia (tingling or numbness) is an early sign of nerve compression due to swelling within the compartment. If untreated, this can progress to permanent nerve and muscle damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Doxazosin .5 mg PO at bedtime is incorrect. The dose should be written as "0.5 mg" to include the leading zero, following proper medication administration guidelines.
B. Lorazepam 0.5 mg PO PRN at bedtime is incorrect. "PRN" should include a specific indication (e.g., anxiety, insomnia. for when it is to be administered.
C. Heparin 5000 U subcutaneous every 8 hr is correct. The prescription is clear and includes the correct dose, route, and frequency of administration.
D. MgSO4 10 g PO daily is incorrect. Magnesium sulfate is typically administered intravenously, not orally, unless specified otherwise for specific conditions, and the dosage is quite high for oral administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
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