A patient reports acute pain and numbness in the left leg. The nurse notes the left leg is pale and cooler than the right leg. What should the nurse do?
a. Elevate the left leg.
b. Apply an extra blanket to the left leg.
c. Administer pain medication.
d. Notify the RN.
ANS: D
D. Notify the RN immediately as the patient needs immediate intervention to preserve circulation in the leg. A. Elevating the leg would be contraindicated as it would decrease blood flow further. B and C. Restoration of circulation is needed rather than a blanket or pain medication.
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