A nurse cares for a client with a fractured fibula. Which assessment should alert the nurse to take immediate action?
a. Pain of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
b. Numbness in the extremity
c. Swollen extremity at the injury site
d. Feeling cold while lying in bed
ANS: B
The client with numbness and/or tingling of the extremity may be displaying the first signs of acute compartment syndrome. This is an acute problem that requires immediate intervention because of possible decreased circulation. Moderate pain and swelling is an expected assessment after a fracture. These findings can be treated with comfort measures. Being cold can be treated with additional blankets or by increasing the temperature of the room.
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