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. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.

B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.

C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.

D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.

A. Hypoxemia is a condition of low oxygen levels in the blood. PEEP can actually improve oxygenation by preventing alveolar collapse and increasing functional residual capacity.

B. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition of air accumulation in the pleural space that causes increased intrathoracic pressure and compresses the lungs, heart, and great vessels. PEEP can increase the risk of tension pneumothorax by creating excessive positive pressure in the airways and alveoli.

C. Malignant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that can cause organ damage and stroke. PEEP can cause a transient increase in blood pressure due to increased intrathoracic pressure, but it does not cause malignant hypertension.

D. Atelectasis is a condition of partial or complete lung collapse due to alveolar collapse or obstruction. PEEP can prevent or treat atelectasis by maintaining positive pressure in the airways and alveoli.