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 C
Explanation
The nurse should check for blood under the client’s buttocks.
A small amount of lochia rubra on the client’s perineal pad 4 hours postpartum is normal.
The fundus being midline and firm at the umbilicus is also a normal finding.
Choice A is incorrect because assisting the client to ambulate is not necessary at this time.
Choice B is incorrect because there is no need to increase the rate of IV fluids.
Choice D is incorrect because performing a fundal massage is not necessary since the fundus is already firm and midline.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A positive urine hCG test is a priority assessment to assess for a possible pregnancy.
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is produced by the placenta after implantation and can be detected in the urine of pregnant women.
A urine hCG test is a common method used to confirm pregnancy.
Choice B is not an answer because changes in uterine size and shape occur later in pregnancy and are not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.
Choice C is not an answer because a fetal heartbeat can usually be detected at around 6-7 weeks of pregnancy and is not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.
Choice D is not an answer because Chadwick’s sign, which refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow, occurs later in pregnancy and is not a priority assessment for early pregnancy detection.
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