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    Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam

    The nurse is continuing to care for the child. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The child is at highest risk for developing dropdown as evidenced by the child's dropdown.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale for Correct Choices: Compartment Syndrome: Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening condition that occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment impairs circulation and nerve function. The child has a nondisplaced fracture of both the radius and ulna, along with edema, ecchymosis, and fingers that are cool to touch, all of which are early signs of compromised perfusion. Tingling Sensation: Tingling (paresthesia) is an early neurological sign of impaired sensory function often seen in the early stages of compartment syndrome. This child verbalizes a mild tingling in the fingers, which indicates nerve compression due to increased pressure within the forearm compartments. Rationale for Incorrect Choices Paresthesia: Tingling is the hallmark symptom of paresthesia, but paresthesia is a symptom, not a disease process. The nurse must determine the underlying cause of the altered sensation, which in this situation is likely compartment syndrome. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT typically presents with unilateral leg swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes redness—not forearm injury symptoms. The child has a forearm fracture and bruises on the lower extremities in different healing stages, but there's no localized swelling, erythema, or immobility in the legs to support a DVT diagnosis. Pain Level: A pain score of 4 out of 10 is not severe enough to support compartment syndrome or any acute vascular crisis alone. Pain that is out of proportion to the injury and unrelieved by medication would raise concern. Mobility: The child is ambulatory and able to move their fingers and limbs, which reduces the likelihood of venous stasis a major risk factor for DVT. In the absence of prolonged immobility or systemic hypercoagulability, there is minimal reason to suspect a thrombotic event based on mobility alone.

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