Marilyn Hughes (Fracture arm/leg)
1. Every hour
A major nursing concern following the application of an immobilization device is
hourly assessment of the extremity during the first 24 hrs and every 1
to 4 hours thereafter to prevent neurovascular dysfunction or compromise from
edema or a constricting immobilization device: The nurse understands that neurovascular
assessments should be performed how frequently during the first 24 hrs following
application of an immobilization device to a fractured extremity?
2. Intermittent cold packs
analgesic medication
elevation of extremity
Pain caused by edema can be reduced in the fractured extremity that has normal
neurovascular checks by using intermittent cold packs and elevating the extremity.
An analgesic medication is ordered to control pain. Warm com- presses and lowering
the extremity can increase edema and pain.: Which of the following are appropriate
initial nursing interventions to control discomfort in a fractured extremity stabilized with a
splint or cast?
3. paralysis
paresthesia
pallor
The "5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are: PAIN,
PALLOR, PULSELESSNESS, PARESTHESIA, PARALYSIS: The nurse under-
stands that assessing neurovascular function in a patient with a brace, splint, or cast is vitally
important. Neurovascular assessment findings that indicate neurovascular compromise
include which of the following?
4. decrease in hemoglobin
Decrease in hemoglobin would suggest bleeding. Hematocrit would also de- crease.
An increase in WBC could indicate infection. Bleeding and decrease in in- travascular
fluid volume would cause an increase in creatinine from decreased blood volume to the
kidneys.: When monitoring for potential complications after surgery, what finding would
cause the nurse to suspect that the patient is experienc- ing postoperative bleeding?
5. decreased pedal pulses
pale foot
1/4
1. Every hour
A major nursing concern following the application of an immobilization device is
hourly assessment of the extremity during the first 24 hrs and every 1
to 4 hours thereafter to prevent neurovascular dysfunction or compromise from
edema or a constricting immobilization device: The nurse understands that neurovascular
assessments should be performed how frequently during the first 24 hrs following
application of an immobilization device to a fractured extremity?
2. Intermittent cold packs
analgesic medication
elevation of extremity
Pain caused by edema can be reduced in the fractured extremity that has normal
neurovascular checks by using intermittent cold packs and elevating the extremity.
An analgesic medication is ordered to control pain. Warm com- presses and lowering
the extremity can increase edema and pain.: Which of the following are appropriate
initial nursing interventions to control discomfort in a fractured extremity stabilized with a
splint or cast?
3. paralysis
paresthesia
pallor
The "5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are: PAIN,
PALLOR, PULSELESSNESS, PARESTHESIA, PARALYSIS: The nurse under-
stands that assessing neurovascular function in a patient with a brace, splint, or cast is vitally
important. Neurovascular assessment findings that indicate neurovascular compromise
include which of the following?
4. decrease in hemoglobin
Decrease in hemoglobin would suggest bleeding. Hematocrit would also de- crease.
An increase in WBC could indicate infection. Bleeding and decrease in in- travascular
fluid volume would cause an increase in creatinine from decreased blood volume to the
kidneys.: When monitoring for potential complications after surgery, what finding would
cause the nurse to suspect that the patient is experienc- ing postoperative bleeding?
5. decreased pedal pulses
pale foot
1/4
