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A client is experiencing numbness and tingling distal to a new arm cast with no increase in pain. The nurse assesses that the client's fingers are pale, cool, and swollen. What action does the nurse take next?

Choice A reason: Nociceptive pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Nociceptive pain is caused by the stimulation of nociceptors, which are sensory receptors that detect tissue damage or potential harm. Nociceptive pain is usually localized, sharp, throbbing, or aching. It is associated with injuries such as cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures. The client's pain is not caused by any tissue damage or harm in the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no tissue left there.

Choice B reason: Neuropathic pain is the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, or the brain. Neuropathic pain is usually chronic, burning, shooting, or tingling. It is associated with conditions such as diabetes, shingles, stroke, or amputation. The client's pain is caused by the disruption of the nerve signals from the amputated limb, which creates a phantom sensation of pain in the missing part.

Choice C reason: Cutaneous pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Cutaneous pain is caused by the stimulation of the cutaneous receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin. Cutaneous pain is usually superficial, brief, or pricking. It is associated with stimuli such as pinching, scratching, or cold. The client's pain is not caused by any touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no skin left there.

Choice D reason: Visceral pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Visceral pain is caused by the stimulation of the visceral receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs. Visceral pain is usually deep, dull, or cramping. It is associated with conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or bowel obstruction. The client's pain is not caused by any stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there are no organs left there.

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.