The nurse is caring for a client who develops compartment syndrome from a severely fractured arm. The client asks the nurse why this can happen. What is the best response by the nurse?
A bone fragment has injured the nerve supply in the area.
An injured artery causes impaired arterial perfusion through the compartment.
Bleeding and swelling cause increased pressure in an area that cannot expand.
The fascia expands with injury, causing pressure on underlying nerves and muscles.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: A bone fragment has injured the nerve supply in the area is not the best response by the nurse. This may be a possible complication of a fracture, but it does not explain the mechanism of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure within a closed space (such as a muscle compartment) exceeds the perfusion pressure and causes ischemia and necrosis of the tissues. A bone fragment may damage the nerve, but it does not cause increased pressure in the compartment.
Choice B reason: An injured artery causes impaired arterial perfusion through the compartment is not the best response by the nurse. This may be a possible cause of compartment syndrome, but it is not the most common one. Compartment syndrome is more often caused by venous obstruction than arterial obstruction. An injured artery may reduce the blood flow to the compartment, but it does not cause increased pressure in the compartment.
Choice C reason: Bleeding and swelling cause increased pressure in an area that cannot expand is the best response by the nurse. This is the most common cause of compartment syndrome and explains the pathophysiology of the condition. Bleeding and swelling are the result of inflammation and tissue injury that occur after a fracture. They increase the volume of fluid in the compartment, which cannot expand due to the rigid fascia that surrounds it. This leads to increased pressure in the compartment, which compresses the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles and causes ischemia and necrosis of the tissues.
Choice D reason: The fascia expands with injury, causing pressure on underlying nerves and muscles is not the best response by the nurse. This is not a correct statement, as the fascia does not expand with injury. The fascia is a tough connective tissue that encloses the muscle compartments and limits their expansion. The fascia is part of the problem, not the cause, of compartment syndrome. The fascia prevents the compartment from accommodating the increased volume of fluid and causes increased pressure in the compartment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the best intervention because it is timeconsuming and may not be feasible in some situations. Writing down the message can also be impersonal and may not convey the tone or emotion of the speaker. The nurse should use verbal communication as much as possible and supplement it with nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention because it can be annoying and ineffective. Talking loudly in the impaired ear can cause discomfort and distortion of the sound. It can also damage the remaining hearing in the ear. The nurse should not shout or raise their voice, but rather speak at a normal volume and enunciate clearly.
Choice C reason: This is the best intervention because it enhances the quality and clarity of the verbal message. Speaking slowly and clearly while facing the client allows the client to see the nurse's mouth movements and facial expressions, which can help them understand the words and the meaning. The nurse should also avoid covering their mouth or chewing gum while speaking.
Choice D reason: This is not the best intervention because it can be inconvenient and impractical. Talking in a regular voice in the good ear may require the nurse to move around the client or position themselves in a certain way. It can also make the client feel isolated or singled out. The nurse should try to communicate with the client in a way that is comfortable and respectful for both parties.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calling the chaplain for support is not the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The chaplain may not be able to communicate with the client or understand their needs. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's reason for admission.
Choice B reason: Verifying the reason for admission is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority for a client who speaks only Spanish. The nurse cannot verify the reason for admission without communicating with the client or their family. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's safety.
Choice C reason: Requesting a medical interpreter is the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The medical interpreter can facilitate communication between the nurse and the client, and help the nurse assess the client's condition, reason for admission, and needs. This choice addresses the language barrier and the client's safety.
Choice D reason: Giving the client a tour of the unit is not the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The client may not understand the tour or the information given by the nurse. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's reason for admission.
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