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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A PaO2 value of 86 mm Hg is within the normal range (80-100 mm Hg) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. PaO2 measures the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.
Choice B rationale:
A pH of 7.4 is within the normal range (7.35-7.45) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. The pH reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.
Choice C rationale:
An HCO3 (bicarbonate) level of 16 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-28 mEq/L) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. HCO3 is a measure of the metabolic component of the body's acid-base balance.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. A PaCO2 value of 58 mm Hg is elevated and indicates respiratory acidosis. PaCO2 measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, and an elevated value suggests the presence of excess carbon dioxide, leading to acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
10 mL/hr would be the correct infusion rate if the client was receiving the entire 10 mEq of potassium chloride in a 100 mL solution over 1 hour. However, the question asks for the rate at which to administer 10 mEq over 1 hour, which means the total volume should be 100 mL/hr.
Choice B rationale:
50 mL/hr would be the correct infusion rate if the client was receiving the entire 10 mEq of potassium chloride in a 100 mL solution over 2 hours. However, the question specifies 1 hour, so the rate should be higher.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. To administer 10 mEq of potassium chloride in 100 mL over 1 hour, the infusion pump should be set to deliver 100 mL/hr.
Choice D rationale:
500 mL/hr would be the correct infusion rate if the client was receiving the entire 10 mEq of potassium chloride in a 100 mL solution over 10 minutes (1/6th of an hour). However, the question specifies 1 hour, so the rate should be much lower.
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