The nurse caring for a child who has been put into a leg cast must be on alert for signs of nerve and muscle damage.
Which symptom might be an early warning signal that the child has developed compartment syndrome?
Has blue-looking nail beds on the toes.
Has a weak femoral pulse.
Cannot plantarflex his foot.
Feels increasing severe pain.
The Correct Answer is D
Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment causes muscle and nerve damage along with pain.
One of the symptoms of compartment syndrome is severe pain that increases with the stretching of muscles.
Choice A is not correct because blue-looking nail beds on the toes are not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Choice B is not correct because a weak femoral pulse is not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Choice C is not correct because the inability to plantarflex the foot is not a symptom of compartment syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
At 10 months old, infants are typically able to sit steadily without support.
This is a developmental milestone that should be reported to the provider if not met.
Choice B is not an answer because playing peek-a-boo is not a typical milestone for a 10-month-old infant.
Choice C is not an answer because turning pages in a book is not a typical milestone for a 10-month-old infant.
Choice D is not an answer because recognizing objects by name is not a typical milestone for a 10-month-old infant.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A nurse caring for a toddler who had a cast applied 2 hours ago due to multiple fractures of the right hand should report immediately to the charge nurse if the fingers on the right hand have a capillary refill of 4 seconds.
This could indicate that there is a problem with circulation.
Choice A is not an answer because it is not unusual for a child to not attempt to move her right arm or fingers after having a cast applied.
Choice B is not an answer because it is not unusual for the fingertips of the right hand to be swollen and bruised after having a cast applied.
Choice D is not an answer because it is not unusual for a child to not keep their arm elevated on a pillow after having a cast applied.
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