A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a preschool-age child who has a new diagnosis of celiac disease. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

A. Ecchymosis in the exposed portion of the left foot: Bruising may occur with the initial injury or minor trauma but is not a reliable early indicator of compartment syndrome. Ecchymosis does not reflect the elevated pressure within the fascial compartment that compromises circulation and nerve function.

B. Inability to move the left foot: Motor deficits, such as inability to move the toes or foot, indicate nerve compression and ischemia within the compartment. This is a late but critical sign of compartment syndrome, requiring immediate evaluation to prevent permanent damage.

C. Paresthesia in the left foot: Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensation is an early sign of nerve ischemia caused by increased compartment pressure. Paresthesia often precedes motor deficits and is an important symptom for early recognition and intervention.

D. Pallor in the exposed portion of the left foot: Pale skin indicates compromised arterial blood flow resulting from elevated intracompartmental pressure. Pallor reflects ischemia and is a classic clinical sign of compartment syndrome requiring urgent intervention.

E. Increased warmth of the exposed portion of the left foot: Compartment syndrome usually causes decreased perfusion, leading to cool or cold extremities rather than warmth. Increased warmth is more commonly associated with infection or inflammation, not compartment syndrome.

A. Administer a short-acting bronchodilator: Diminished breath sounds and use of accessory muscles indicate severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory compromise. Administering a short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol, provides rapid relief by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, improving airflow, and preventing further hypoxemia.

B. Reinforce the importance of using a peak flow meter: While peak flow monitoring is useful for long-term asthma management and early detection of exacerbations, it does not address acute airway obstruction. Education about peak flow is important but not the first action in a potentially life-threatening exacerbation.

C. Encourage the client to take slow, deep breaths: Breathing techniques may support ventilation in mild exacerbations, but they cannot relieve severe bronchospasm or restore adequate airflow in a client with diminished breath sounds. This intervention is secondary to urgent pharmacologic management.

D. Request a prescription for ABGs: Arterial blood gas measurement helps assess oxygenation and acid-base status, but it does not immediately reverse airway obstruction. While ABGs may be indicated for evaluation, the first priority is to administer a bronchodilator to relieve life-threatening bronchospasm.