The nurse is caring for a patient who had a closed reduction of the ulna with a cast applied. Later the patient reports left arm pain. What should the nurse do first?
a. Pad the edges of the cast.
b. Notify the physician immediately.
c. Administer an analgesic as ordered.
d. Perform neurovascular check on fingers.
ANS: D
The nurse should begin with data collection to determine what the next action is to take. The nurse should perform a neurovascular check. A. The edges of the cast may need to be padded if this is the cause of the patient's pain. B. The physician should not be notified until neurovascular checks are performed. C. The nurse needs to assess the patient's pain level before providing an analgesic.
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