The nurse assesses a patient 22 hours after skeletal traction was applied to the femur. Which clinical finding is inconsistent with the patient's baseline data but acceptable to the nurse?

Question

a. A decreased sensation in the affected foot
b. An increase in patient anxiety after pro-cedure
c. Lower leg pallor with a weaker pedal pulse
d. A small amount of clear drainage from the pin sites

Answer 1

D
Clear drainage after pin insertion is an acceptable clinical finding after an invasive procedure because it reflects the process of drainage produced with punctures. Decreased sensation is con-sistent with clinical indicators for neurovascular impairment from nerve compression or irritation. Lower leg pallor and a weaker pedal pulse indicate compression of the affected leg from edema and the original trauma. Patient anxiety related to a procedure is more common before the pro-cedure; however, exposure to new therapy can cause patient anxiety.