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: The client is in a private room is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should be in a private room, as it can reduce the exposure to pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The client with reduced immunity has a weakened or impaired immune system, which makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to infection. The private room can also provide privacy, comfort, and security for the client.
Choice B reason: The client has a dedicated vital signs machine is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should have a dedicated vital signs machine, as it can prevent the crosscontamination or transmission of pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The vital signs machine is a device that measures the blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen saturation of the client. The vital signs machine can be contaminated by the blood, body fluids, or secretions of the client or other clients, and can harbor bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The dedicated vital signs machine can also ensure the accuracy, consistency, and availability of the measurements for the client.
Choice C reason: The client has a vase of fresh flowers on the table is an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is inappropriate and undesirable. The client with reduced immunity should not have a vase of fresh flowers on the table, as it can increase the exposure to pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. The fresh flowers are a source of mold, pollen, or insects, which can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory distress, or skin irritation. The fresh flowers can also contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which can infect the client through inhalation, ingestion, or contact. The vase of fresh flowers should be removed from the room and replaced with artificial flowers, pictures, or cards.
Choice D reason: There is hand sanitizer by the door is not an observation that requires further action by the nurse, because it is appropriate and desirable. The client with reduced immunity should have hand sanitizer by the door, as it can promote the hand hygiene and infection prevention of the client and others. Hand sanitizer is a product that contains alcohol or other agents that can kill or reduce the number of pathogens or allergens that may cause infection or inflammation. Hand sanitizer should be used by the client, the staff, and the visitors before and after entering or leaving the room, or after touching any objects or surfaces in the room.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client having a butterfly rash is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. A butterfly rash is a malar rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is a common sign of SLE and may flare up or fade depending on the disease activity. It does not indicate any serious complication or organ damage.
Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 126/85 mm Hg is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This blood pressure is within the normal range and does not indicate hypertension or hypotension. Hypertension is a possible complication of SLE that may affect the kidneys, the heart, or the brain. Hypotension may indicate shock, dehydration, or infection.
Choice C reason: The client reporting chronic fatigue is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of SLE that affects the quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities. It may be caused by inflammation, pain, anemia, depression, or medication side effects. It does not indicate any acute or lifethreatening condition.
Choice D reason: A urine output of 20 mL/hour is a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This urine output is below the normal range of 30 to 50 mL/hour and indicates oliguria, which is a reduced urine production. Oliguria may indicate acute kidney injury, which is a serious complication of SLE that may lead to renal failure or death. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, fluid balance, electrolytes, and kidney function and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
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