MARILYN HUGHES TEST SURGICAL SCENARIO 1.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2025 UPDATE
The nurse understands that assessing neurovascular function in a client with a
brace, splint, or cast is vitally important. This assessment should include which of
the following components? (Select all that apply.)
Numbness of the extremity , Movement of the extremity , Skin color of the
extremity
Rationale:When monitoring client recovery, the nurse needs to assess the skin
color (assessed via capillary refill), movement of extremity distal to the brace, and
numbness to distal extremity, because these would indicate loss of circulation. The
"5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are pain, pallor,
pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis. History of fractures and the type of brace
are important assessments; however they do not relate to neurovascular
compromise.
When monitoring for potential complications in the client with a cast, splint, or
brace, the nurse recognizes that which of the following is an early hallmark sign of
compartment syndrome?
, Acute pain with passive range of motion
Rationale:A hallmark sign of compartment syndrome is pain that occurs or
intensifies with passive range of motion due to accumulation of fluid within the
compartmental space. The other answer choices reflect pain being controlled and
managed with nursing interventions.
Which of the following are appropriate initial nursing interventions to control
discomfort in a fractured extremity stabilized with a splint or cast? (Select all that
apply.)
Intermittent cold packs , Elevation of extremity , Analgesic medication
Rationale: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 compresses
and lowering of the extremity can increase edema and pain.
When monitoring Ms. Hughes for possible complications following the surgical
repair of a fracture, it is important for the nurse to be alert for development of
which of the following conditions? (Select all that apply.)
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2025 UPDATE
The nurse understands that assessing neurovascular function in a client with a
brace, splint, or cast is vitally important. This assessment should include which of
the following components? (Select all that apply.)
Numbness of the extremity , Movement of the extremity , Skin color of the
extremity
Rationale:When monitoring client recovery, the nurse needs to assess the skin
color (assessed via capillary refill), movement of extremity distal to the brace, and
numbness to distal extremity, because these would indicate loss of circulation. The
"5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are pain, pallor,
pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis. History of fractures and the type of brace
are important assessments; however they do not relate to neurovascular
compromise.
When monitoring for potential complications in the client with a cast, splint, or
brace, the nurse recognizes that which of the following is an early hallmark sign of
compartment syndrome?
, Acute pain with passive range of motion
Rationale:A hallmark sign of compartment syndrome is pain that occurs or
intensifies with passive range of motion due to accumulation of fluid within the
compartmental space. The other answer choices reflect pain being controlled and
managed with nursing interventions.
Which of the following are appropriate initial nursing interventions to control
discomfort in a fractured extremity stabilized with a splint or cast? (Select all that
apply.)
Intermittent cold packs , Elevation of extremity , Analgesic medication
Rationale: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 compresses
and lowering of the extremity can increase edema and pain.
When monitoring Ms. Hughes for possible complications following the surgical
repair of a fracture, it is important for the nurse to be alert for development of
which of the following conditions? (Select all that apply.)
