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 D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A blood pressure of 100/80 mm Hg is low but not specific for renal perfusion without context. Urinary output directly reflects kidney function, with 30 mL/hour indicating possible oliguria. Monitoring output is critical, per renal assessment and acute kidney injury management protocols in nursing care.

Choice B reason: Abdominal pulse on inspection is unrelated to renal perfusion, typically indicating vascular issues like aneurysms. Urinary output is a direct indicator of kidney function, with 30 mL/hour suggesting reduced perfusion. This is irrelevant, per renal assessment and diagnostic standards in nephrology nursing.

Choice C reason: Urinalysis with 1 to 4 WBC/lpf is within normal range and suggests no infection. Urinary output of 30 mL/hour is concerning for decreased renal perfusion, requiring close monitoring. WBCs are less critical, per renal function and acute kidney injury assessment guidelines in nursing.

Choice D reason: Urinary output of 30 mL/hour indicates possible oliguria, a key sign of decreased renal perfusion. Monitoring this parameter assesses kidney function, guiding interventions to prevent acute kidney injury. It is the most direct indicator, per renal perfusion and critical care protocols in nephrology nursing practice.

A. Obtain another measurement of the client’s blood pressure. B. Determine what medications the client recently received. C. Administer the antihypertensive medication as prescribed. D. Consult with the PN about the client’s condition at 0800.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Obtaining another blood pressure measurement is critical, as lethargy, pallor, and diaphoresis suggest hypotension or shock, despite the earlier 140/90 reading. This guides safe administration of antihypertensives, preventing harm, per cardiovascular assessment and medication safety protocols in nursing practice.

Choice B reason: Determining recent medications is important but secondary to assessing current blood pressure, as symptoms suggest acute instability. Blood pressure confirms hypotension risk before reviewing drugs, ensuring timely intervention, per cardiovascular assessment and patient safety standards in nursing care.

Choice C reason: Administering antihypertensives without reassessing blood pressure is unsafe, as lethargy, pallor, and diaphoresis indicate possible hypotension. Confirming blood pressure prevents exacerbating instability, per medication safety and cardiovascular monitoring protocols in nursing practice for clients with hypertension.

Choice D reason: Consulting the PN about the 0800 condition delays immediate assessment of current symptoms. Blood pressure measurement addresses acute lethargy, pallor, and diaphoresis, guiding intervention. Consultation is secondary, per prioritization and cardiovascular assessment standards in nursing care.

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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

The nurse is assessing a client who is admitted to the renal unit with suspected decreased renal perfusion. The nurse should plan to carefully monitor which parameter? Reference Range: Urine white blood cells (WBC) [0 to 4 WBC/low powered field (lpf)]

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

At 0800, the practical nurse (PN) reports to the registered nurse (RN) that a client’s blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. When the RN arrives to administer the 0900 antihypertensive medication, the client is oriented but lethargic, pale, and diaphoretic. Which action should the RN implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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