HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam related questions and content

A client who was involved in a motor vehicle collision is admitted with a fractured left femur that is immobilized using a fracture traction splint in preparation for an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The nurse determines that the client's distal pulses are diminished in the left foot. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

  • A. Verify pedal pulses using a Doppler pulse device
  • B. Evaluate the application of the splint to the left leg
  • C. Offer ice chips and clear oral liquids
  • D. Monitor the left leg for pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, pressure
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Evaluating the application of the splint is the priority as it ensures it is not too tight, which could impair circulation and exacerbate the diminished pulses. Verifying pedal pulses with a Doppler pulse device may be indicated but does not directly address the immediate concern of proper splint application. Offering ice chips and clear oral liquids would not address the issue of diminished distal pulses. Monitoring the left leg for pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, and pressure is important but would not directly address the cause of the diminished pulses in this scenario.