An elderly patient's hip joint is immobilized prior to surgery to correct a femoral head fracture. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A) The presence of leg shortening
B) The patient's complaints of pain
C) Signs of neurovascular compromise
D) The presence of internal or external rotation
Ans: C
Feedback:
Because impaired circulation can cause permanent damage, neurovascular assessment of the affected leg is always a priority assessment. Leg shortening and internal or external rotation are common findings with a fractured hip. Pain, especially on movement, is also common after a hip fracture.
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