The patient was placed in a long arm cast after fracturing her humerus. Twelve hours after the application of the cast, the patient tells the nurse that her arm hurts. Analgesics do not relieve the pain
What would be the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Preparing the patient for cast removal or bivalving of the cast
B) Obtaining an order for a different pain medication
C) Encouraging the patient to wiggle and move the fingers
D) Petaling the edges of his cast
Ans: A
Feedback: Acute compartment syndrome involves a sudden and severe decrease in blood flow to the tissues distal to an area of injury that results in ischemic necrosis if prompt, decisive intervention does not occur. The patient complains of deep, throbbing, unrelenting pain, which continues to increase despite the administration of opioids and seems out of proportion to the injury. Removing or bivalving the cast relieves pressure. Ordering different analgesics doesn't address the underlying problem. Encouraging the patient to move the fingers or perform range-of-motion exercises won't treat or prevent compartment syndrome. Petaling the edges of a cast with tape prevents abrasions and skin breakdown, not compartment syndrome.
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Certification in occupational health nursing is provided by the:
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