The nurse is continuing to care for the client. 

Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the assessment findings.

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Right forearm and fingers are edematous: Swelling of the forearm and fingers can indicate a possible fracture or soft tissue injury with vascular compromise. Edema in a closed injury raises concern for compartment syndrome, especially when accompanied by other neurovascular changes.
• Ecchymotic area on outer aspect of forearm: A single bruise near the site of injury is expected after trauma and not alarming by itself. However, the chils is presenting with other multiple injuries, thus need for further assessment.
• Child reports a mild "tingling" sensation: Paresthesia can signal early nerve compression or involvement, which may progress if not addressed. Combined with swelling and coolness, this finding suggests a risk of compartment syndrome.
• Pain level of 4/10: Although moderate, a pain level of 4 in a child presenting with multiple injuries warrants further investigations.
• Multiple areas of bruising in various stages of healing: Bruising at different stages of healing raises concern for non-accidental trauma (child abuse). This pattern is inconsistent with a single fall and warrants immediate follow-up under child protection protocols.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

• Radial pulse +2: A normal radial pulse suggests adequate arterial blood flow to the extremity. Although useful, this does not exclude compartment syndrome and is not an urgent finding on its own.
• Respirations easy and unlabored and stable vital signs: These are all normal findings that indicate no immediate respiratory, gastrointestinal, or hemodynamic distress. They do not warrant urgent intervention at this time.
• Vital signs: Temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are all within normal for the child’s age and support physiologic stability, hence no evidence of immediate systemic compromise.

Rationale:

A. A client who has an open compound fracture of the humerus: This injury requires surgical intervention and has a moderate to high risk of complications. It is typically classified as yellow, indicating delayed care is acceptable but not minor.

B. A client who has multiple facial lacerations: These are superficial injuries that can be treated with simple wound care and suturing. The client is likely stable and ambulatory, fitting the criteria for a green tag, which denotes minor injuries requiring minimal care.

C. A client who has a puncture wound in the right lower lung: This suggests potential internal injury and respiratory compromise. Such a case is urgent and unstable, requiring immediate intervention, and would be tagged red for immediate treatment.

D. A client who has full-thickness burns over the lower extremities: Full-thickness burns covering a large area are life-threatening and resource-intensive to manage. Depending on the extent, this may fall under red or black, depending on survivability and available resources.