The nurse is most concerned about which of these findings in a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Choice A reason: A bone fragment has injured the nerve supply in the area is not the best response by the nurse. This may be a possible complication of a fracture, but it does not explain the mechanism of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure within a closed space (such as a muscle compartment) exceeds the perfusion pressure and causes ischemia and necrosis of the tissues. A bone fragment may damage the nerve, but it does not cause increased pressure in the compartment.

Choice B reason: An injured artery causes impaired arterial perfusion through the compartment is not the best response by the nurse. This may be a possible cause of compartment syndrome, but it is not the most common one. Compartment syndrome is more often caused by venous obstruction than arterial obstruction. An injured artery may reduce the blood flow to the compartment, but it does not cause increased pressure in the compartment.

Choice C reason: Bleeding and swelling cause increased pressure in an area that cannot expand is the best response by the nurse. This is the most common cause of compartment syndrome and explains the pathophysiology of the condition. Bleeding and swelling are the result of inflammation and tissue injury that occur after a fracture. They increase the volume of fluid in the compartment, which cannot expand due to the rigid fascia that surrounds it. This leads to increased pressure in the compartment, which compresses the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles and causes ischemia and necrosis of the tissues.

Choice D reason: The fascia expands with injury, causing pressure on underlying nerves and muscles is not the best response by the nurse. This is not a correct statement, as the fascia does not expand with injury. The fascia is a tough connective tissue that encloses the muscle compartments and limits their expansion. The fascia is part of the problem, not the cause, of compartment syndrome. The fascia prevents the compartment from accommodating the increased volume of fluid and causes increased pressure in the compartment.

Choice A reason: Sensory perception is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client can respond to pressurerelated discomfort or pain. Sensory perception can be affected by factors such as level of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or neuropathy. Sensory perception can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as clients with impaired sensory perception may not be able to feel or report the pressure, or change their position to relieve the pressure.

Choice B reason: Age is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Age is a demographic variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as skin condition, mobility, or comorbidities. However, age itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice C reason: Friction and shear is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's skin is exposed to rubbing or sliding forces. Friction and shear can be affected by factors such as bed linens, transfers, or repositioning. Friction and shear can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as they can damage the skin and underlying tissues, or reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Nutrition is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's intake of food and fluids meets the body's needs. Nutrition can be affected by factors such as appetite, dentition, or swallowing. Nutrition can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as it can affect the skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function of the client.

Choice E reason: Mental state is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Mental state is a psychological variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as sensory perception, mobility, or activity. However, mental state itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.