Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions Related

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A client has applied a cold pack to their arm to help decrease swelling and inflammation after an injury. Which of the following signs indicates that the cold pack should be removed?

  • A. The skin on the arm appears mottled
  • B. The cold pack has been in place for 10 minutes
  • C. The client complains of feeling nauseated
  • D. The capillary refill in the area distal to the arm is 2 seconds
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When using a cold pack for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to monitor the site to prevent tissue damage. Prolonged use of cold therapy can lead to pale, mottled skin with a bluish appearance. This change in skin color indicates poor circulation, and the cold pack should be removed immediately to prevent tissue injury. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the duration of cold pack application, client complaints of nausea, and capillary refill time do not specifically indicate the need for the cold pack to be removed due to potential tissue damage.