A nurse assesses a client who had an intraosseous catheter placed in the left leg. Which assessment finding is of greatest concern?
a. The catheter has been in place for 20 hours.
b. The client has poor vascular access in the upper extremities.
c. The catheter is placed in the proximal tibia. d.
The client's left lower extremity is cool to the touch.
ANS: D
Compartment syndrome is a condition in which increased tissue perfusion in a confined anatomic space causes decreased blood flow to the area. A cool extremity can signal the possibility of this syndrome. All other findings are important; however, the possible development of compartment syndrome requires immediate intervention because the client could require amputation of the limb if the nurse does not correctly assess this perfusion problem.
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