A nurse is performing a neurovascular assessment on a client who has a fractured left femur. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene immediately?
Left leg is warm to the touch.
Left pedal pulse strength is 2.
The client reports pain in the foot of the left leg.
Capillary refill in the left foot is 3 seconds.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
A warm left leg is a normal finding and does not require immediate intervention. Warmth indicates adequate circulation to the limb.
Choice B rationale:
A pedal pulse strength of 2 in the left leg indicates diminished pulse but does not require immediate intervention. The nurse should continue to monitor the pulse and report any significant changes to the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
The client's report of pain in the foot of the left leg is an expected finding due to the fractured left femur. Pain is a subjective symptom, and the nurse should address the client's pain appropriately but not intervene immediately based on this finding.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. A capillary refill time of 3 seconds in the left foot suggests impaired circulation, which could be indicative of compartment syndrome or other circulation-related issues. The nurse should intervene immediately by notifying the healthcare provider to prevent further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range, so there is no need to notify the provider of this finding.
Choice B rationale:
A client's temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F) is slightly elevated but not considered a critical finding. It may be indicative of an infection or other mild inflammation, but it does not warrant immediate provider notification.
Choice C rationale:
A potassium level of 5.7 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, and requires immediate attention from the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss of 0.8 kg/day (1.8 lb/day) should be evaluated and monitored, but it is not an immediate concern that warrants urgent provider notification.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: D. Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure.
Rationale:
A) Provide teaching about the surgical procedure for the client:
While nurses play an essential role in patient education, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to ensure the patient fully understands the details, risks, and benefits. Nurses can clarify information but should not provide the initial comprehensive explanation of the procedure.
B) Instruct the client's spouse to sign the consent form:
The client is the one who needs to provide informed consent, not the spouse, unless the client is legally unable to do so. In such cases, legal documentation, such as a power of attorney, is required. Instructing the spouse to sign without proper authorization is inappropriate and potentially legally problematic.
C) Read the consent form to the client using words the client will understand:
While simplifying the language of the consent form can help, it is not sufficient if the client does not fully understand the procedure. Full understanding requires a detailed discussion about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, which should be done by the provider performing the procedure.
D) Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure:
The provider performing the procedure has the responsibility to ensure the client understands all aspects of the surgery. Contacting the provider to provide a thorough explanation ensures that the client receives accurate and complete information, allowing for truly informed consent.
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