A patient with a long leg cast reports pain in the toes. The nurse discovers that the toes are pale and cool to the touch with intact pulses and minimal neuropathy. The findings indicate that the patient may be experiencing which complications?

A fat embolism

Osteomyelitis

Compartment syndrome

A pressure ulcer

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. A fat embolism typically presents with respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechial rash, not the symptoms of pale and cool toes with intact pulses. It is unlikely to cause localized pain in the toes alone.
B. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone and would not cause the pale, cool appearance of the toes in this scenario. Symptoms of osteomyelitis include fever, localized pain, and swelling, but it does not present with the same vascular and neurovascular changes as compartment syndrome.
C. Compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow. The symptoms of pale, cool toes with pain and intact pulses are indicative of impaired circulation due to increased pressure, which is a hallmark of compartment syndrome. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention.
D. A pressure ulcer typically presents with localized skin damage due to prolonged pressure, but it would not cause pale, cool toes or pain in the way compartment syndrome would.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that primarily causes hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and does not typically cause hyperkalemia. It can also cause dehydration and hyponatremia, but it is not associated with both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
B. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It helps retain potassium while excreting sodium and water, which increases the risk for hyperkalemia (high potassium) and hyponatremia (low sodium) when used in combination with other medications that affect electrolyte balance.
C. Metolazone is a thiazide-like diuretic that can cause hypokalemia and hyponatremia, but it is not typically associated with hyperkalemia.
D. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause hypokalemia and hyponatremia, but it does not increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

A. Obtain intravenous access B. Thoracentesis C. Prepare for insertion of a chest tube D. Obtain ABGS E. Computed tomography of the chest F. Pulmonary function tests

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}

Explanation

 Obtain intravenous access: Anticipated

Rationale: Intravenous access is essential for administering medications and fluids, especially in emergency situations.

 Thoracentesis: Contraindicated

Rationale: Thoracentesis is typically used to remove fluid from the pleural space, not air. For a pneumothorax, other interventions are more appropriate.

 Prepare for insertion of a chest tube: Anticipated

Rationale: Inserting a chest tube is a common and effective treatment for a pneumothorax to remove air from the pleural space and allow the lung to re-expand.

 Obtain ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases): Anticipated

Rationale: ABGs are important to assess the client's respiratory status and the extent of hypoxemia or hypercapnia.

 Computed tomography of the chest: Non-essential

Rationale: While a CT scan can provide detailed images, it is not immediately necessary for the diagnosis and initial management of a pneumothorax. A chest X-ray is usually sufficient.

 Pulmonary function tests: Contraindicated

Rationale: Pulmonary function tests are not appropriate in the acute setting of a pneumothorax as they can exacerbate the condition and are not useful for immediate management

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A patient with a long leg cast reports pain in the toes. The nurse discovers that the toes are pale and cool to the touch with intact pulses and minimal neuropathy. The findings indicate that the patient may be experiencing which complications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing instruction to a new nurse about caring for clients who are receiving diuretic therapy to treat heart failure. The nurse should explain that which of the following medications puts clients at risk for both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who receives furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client due to this medication?

A patient with a long leg cast reports pain in the toes. The nurse discovers that the toes are pale and cool to the touch with intact pulses and minimal neuropathy. The findings indicate that the patient may be experiencing which complications?

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