Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client’s right radial pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?

Elevate the client’s right hand on one or two pillows.

Measure the client’s blood pressure and apical heart rate.

Complete a neurovascular assessment of the right hand.

Notify the healthcare provider quickly.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Elevating the hand reduces edema, potentially improving circulation, but is premature without assessing the absent radial pulse’s cause. Post-fracture, compartment syndrome or arterial injury risks ischemia. Neurovascular assessment identifies severity, guiding targeted interventions to restore perfusion, making elevation secondary to assessment.

Choice B reason: Measuring blood pressure and heart rate provides systemic data but not localized insight into the absent radial pulse, likely from arterial compression post-surgery. Neurovascular assessment evaluates limb perfusion, detecting compartment syndrome or occlusion, critical for urgent intervention to prevent tissue necrosis.

Choice C reason: Completing a neurovascular assessment evaluates pulse, color, warmth, sensation, and movement. Absent radial pulse post-fracture suggests compartment syndrome or arterial injury, risking ischemia. This confirms vascular compromise, guiding interventions like fasciotomy, addressing the pathophysiological threat to limb viability, ensuring timely treatment.

Choice D reason: Notifying the provider follows assessment. Absent radial pulse suggests compartment syndrome, where swelling impairs arterial flow. Neurovascular assessment quantifies severity (e.g., pallor, paresthesia), ensuring accurate reporting for urgent intervention, preventing delays in treating vascular compromise critical to limb preservation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering oxygen supports oxygenation but is not the priority during a seizure, typically brief without sustained hypoxia. Removing objects prevents trauma from tonic-clonic movements, driven by neuronal hyperexcitability, addressing the immediate risk of fractures or head injuries during uncontrolled muscle activity.

Choice B reason: Removing objects prevents injury during a seizure, as tonic-clonic convulsions from excessive neuronal discharges risk trauma like fractures. Ensuring a safe environment addresses the physiological risk of harm from environmental hazards, critical for protecting the client during uncontrolled movements in seizure activity.

Choice C reason: Placing pillows around the head may reduce injury but is less effective than clearing hazards, as seizures involve full-body movements. Pillows may not stay secure during clonic jerking. Removing objects ensures broader safety, minimizing trauma risk across all body areas, making this less immediate.

Choice D reason: Applying restraints is contraindicated, as they risk injury like fractures by resisting forceful neuronal-driven movements. Seizures require safe movement in a clear environment. Removing objects prevents trauma, addressing the physiological need for safety during a seizure, making restraints inappropriate and potentially harmful.

A. Acetaminophen 650 mg PO PRN. B. Olanzapine 30 mg PO at bedtime. C. Thiamine, USP 100 mg PO daily. D. Ondansetron 8 mg IV PRN.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic, metabolized by the liver via cytochrome P450 to NAPQI, which depletes glutathione, causing necrosis in hepatitis. A compromised liver from alcohol or viral hepatitis increases toxicity risk, even at standard doses. Contacting the provider ensures safer analgesics, preventing further liver damage in this high-risk client.

Choice B reason: Olanzapine, an antipsychotic, manages schizophrenia by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. It is metabolized by the liver but has low hepatotoxicity risk compared to acetaminophen in hepatitis. No immediate contraindication exists, as it controls psychosis without significantly worsening liver function, making it safe to administer without delay.

Choice C reason: Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential in hepatitis, particularly with alcohol abuse, preventing Wernicke’s encephalopathy from deficient glucose metabolism. It is liver-safe and beneficial, supporting neurological function without toxicity. Administering thiamine is appropriate, making it unnecessary to contact the provider before implementation.

Choice D reason: Ondansetron, an antiemetic, controls nausea in hepatitis via serotonin 5-HT3 receptor blockade. It is metabolized by the liver but has minimal hepatotoxicity, safe in liver disease. No contraindication exists, as it alleviates symptoms without worsening hepatitis, unlike acetaminophen, which poses significant liver risk.

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Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client’s right radial pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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