,NSG 320 Exam 4 Adult Health Nursing I Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Grand canyon university
Q1. Which finding is most concerning in a client with a fractured
extremity?
A. Mild bruising
B. Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury with increasing tightness
C. Mild swelling
D. Tenderness at the fracture site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe pain out of proportion to the injury, especially with a
tense swollen extremity and pain with passive stretch, may indicate
compartment syndrome.
Q2. Which finding is characteristic of compartment syndrome?
A. Severe pain unrelieved by medication and pain with passive movement
B. Warm skin with strong pulses and no pain
C. Increased range of motion
D. Decreased swelling
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Compartment syndrome increases pressure within a closed
fascial compartment, compromising tissue perfusion and producing severe
pain and neurovascular changes.
Q3. Which action is the priority when compartment syndrome is
suspected?
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Apply a heating pad.
C. Massage the affected extremity.
D. Encourage vigorous exercise.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening emergency that
requires urgent evaluation and possible surgical decompression.
**Q4. Which neurovascular assessment is most important for a client with a
cast?
, A. Distal pulse, color, temperature, sensation, and movement
B. Appetite
C. Bowel sounds
D. Visual acuity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Distal neurovascular checks help identify impaired circulation or
nerve function caused by swelling or a constrictive cast.
**Q5. Which finding should be reported immediately after cast application?
A. Warm toes with normal sensation
B. Increasing pain, numbness, and coolness distal to the cast
C. Mild itching under the cast
D. Slight discomfort with movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing pain, paresthesia, and coolness may indicate impaired
circulation or compartment syndrome.
**Q6. Which instruction is appropriate for a newly applied cast?
A. Keep the cast dry.
B. Insert objects inside the cast to scratch the skin.
C. Apply heat directly to the cast.
D. Remove the cast if itching occurs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moisture can weaken some casts and increase skin
complications. Objects should not be inserted beneath the cast because they
can cause tissue injury.
**Q7. Which finding may indicate impaired circulation after a fracture?
A. Capillary refill delay with pallor and a weak distal pulse
B. Warm skin and normal sensation
C. Strong symmetric pulses
D. Normal movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pallor, delayed capillary refill, diminished pulses, coolness, and
sensory changes can indicate reduced distal perfusion.
2026/2027 Grand canyon university
Q1. Which finding is most concerning in a client with a fractured
extremity?
A. Mild bruising
B. Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury with increasing tightness
C. Mild swelling
D. Tenderness at the fracture site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe pain out of proportion to the injury, especially with a
tense swollen extremity and pain with passive stretch, may indicate
compartment syndrome.
Q2. Which finding is characteristic of compartment syndrome?
A. Severe pain unrelieved by medication and pain with passive movement
B. Warm skin with strong pulses and no pain
C. Increased range of motion
D. Decreased swelling
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Compartment syndrome increases pressure within a closed
fascial compartment, compromising tissue perfusion and producing severe
pain and neurovascular changes.
Q3. Which action is the priority when compartment syndrome is
suspected?
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Apply a heating pad.
C. Massage the affected extremity.
D. Encourage vigorous exercise.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening emergency that
requires urgent evaluation and possible surgical decompression.
**Q4. Which neurovascular assessment is most important for a client with a
cast?
, A. Distal pulse, color, temperature, sensation, and movement
B. Appetite
C. Bowel sounds
D. Visual acuity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Distal neurovascular checks help identify impaired circulation or
nerve function caused by swelling or a constrictive cast.
**Q5. Which finding should be reported immediately after cast application?
A. Warm toes with normal sensation
B. Increasing pain, numbness, and coolness distal to the cast
C. Mild itching under the cast
D. Slight discomfort with movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing pain, paresthesia, and coolness may indicate impaired
circulation or compartment syndrome.
**Q6. Which instruction is appropriate for a newly applied cast?
A. Keep the cast dry.
B. Insert objects inside the cast to scratch the skin.
C. Apply heat directly to the cast.
D. Remove the cast if itching occurs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moisture can weaken some casts and increase skin
complications. Objects should not be inserted beneath the cast because they
can cause tissue injury.
**Q7. Which finding may indicate impaired circulation after a fracture?
A. Capillary refill delay with pallor and a weak distal pulse
B. Warm skin and normal sensation
C. Strong symmetric pulses
D. Normal movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pallor, delayed capillary refill, diminished pulses, coolness, and
sensory changes can indicate reduced distal perfusion.
