The nurse is assessing the adolescent 4 hr following fasciotomy. Highlight the findings below that indicate the adolescent's condition is improving.

Admission Assessment

1400:

Adolescent brought to emergency department by parents following a fall while skateboarding. Adolescent reports pain in their right leg as 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 and is unable to bear weight.

Adolescent is awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Lungs clear, respirations even and regular. S1 and S2 with regular rate and rhythm. Abdomen soft and nontender with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Right lower extremity with open wound and displaced bone. Right lower extremity pulse +1, extremity cool to touch, edema present, capillary refill 4 seconds.

Nurses' Notes 2300:

Adolescent is drowsy and reports nausea. Respirations shallow. Lungs clear. Unproductive cough present. S1 and S2 with regular rate and rhythm. Abdomen soft and nontender with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Right lower extremity fasciotomy, dressing clean, dry, and intact. Extremity pulse +3. Capillary refill 2 seconds. Right extremity is warm to the touch. Adolescent reports no numbness or tingling. Adolescent reports pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10.

A. Flexing the client's neck forward can increase intracranial pressure by impeding venous drainage from the brain and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

B. Grouping several nursing activities to be completed at one time can increase intracranial pressure by stimulating the client and causing fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

C. Limiting suctioning the client's airway to 30 seconds at a time can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing hypoxia and hypercarbia, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebral blood volume. However, this intervention alone is not sufficient to prevent increased intracranial pressure, and suctioning should be done only when necessary and with caution. Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the best answer.

D. Placing the client in a quiet environment can reduce intracranial pressure by minimizing sensory stimulation and promoting relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate and decrease cerebral metabolic demand. Therefore, this choice is correct and the best answer.

A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest. This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.

B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.

C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation. This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain.

D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain. This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.