what are the expected symptoms in a patient with compartment syndrome
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What are the expected symptoms in a patient with compartment syndrome?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness. These symptoms are classic signs of compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition characterized by reduced circulation in a closed muscle compartment. The pain is typically severe and disproportionate to the injury, and if left untreated, it can lead to tissue damage and loss of function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the hallmark symptoms of compartment syndrome. Localized swelling and redness may be present but are not specific to this condition. Fever and swelling are more indicative of inflammation or infection, while weakness and fatigue are nonspecific and do not typically occur in isolation in compartment syndrome.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is starting to take carbidopa/levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching is that carbidopa/levodopa can cause the client's urine to turn a dark color, which is a harmless effect. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about this common side effect. Choice B is incorrect because immediate relief is not expected; therapeutic effects may take weeks to months. Choice C is incorrect as carbidopa/levodopa should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect as the client should not skip doses without consulting their healthcare provider, even if they experience dizziness.

3. A client at high risk for iron deficiency anemia should increase the consumption of which of the following foods?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Raisins. Raisins are a good source of iron, making them beneficial for a client at high risk for iron deficiency anemia. Yogurt (Choice A), apples (Choice B), and cheddar cheese (Choice D) are not significant sources of iron. Other iron-rich foods include dried fruits, red meat, and green leafy vegetables.

4. A patient is admitted with chest pain, possible acute coronary syndrome. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with chest pain, possible acute coronary syndrome, the nurse should administer sublingual nitroglycerin first. Nitroglycerin helps to vasodilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart, and reducing cardiac workload. This can alleviate chest pain and decrease cardiac tissue damage in acute coronary syndrome. Getting IV access, obtaining cardiac enzymes, and auscultating heart sounds are important steps in the assessment and management of acute coronary syndrome, but administering nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain and improve blood flow takes precedence as it directly addresses the patient's symptoms and aims to prevent further cardiac damage.

5. What is the most likely cause of continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube usually indicates an air leak. An air leak can disrupt the negative pressure required for the chest tube to function properly, leading to inadequate drainage and potential complications. A blockage in the chest tube would typically result in decreased or absent drainage rather than continuous bubbling. Normal chest tube function does not involve continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. Drainage from the chest tube may lead to fluid moving into the drainage system, but it would not cause continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.

Similar Questions

What is the initial action for treating chest pain in acute coronary syndrome?
A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a positive Kernig's sign?
A patient reports abdominal cramping during an enema administration. What action should the nurse take?
What ECG changes are seen in hypokalemia?
A patient who received an enema reports abdominal cramping. What should the nurse do?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses