ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Related

Review ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an external fixator to the left tibia. Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

  • A. The client's capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.
  • B. The client has 100 mL blood in the closed-suction drain.
  • C. The client has an oral temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F).
  • D. The client reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a capillary refill of 6 seconds in the left toe indicates poor circulation, which could lead to ischemia or necrosis in the extremity. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice B is not as urgent as it involves monitoring and managing drainage, which can be addressed after the circulation concern is addressed.
Choice C, an elevated temperature, may indicate infection but is not as immediately life-threatening as poor circulation.
Choice D, pain at the operative site, is important but does not require immediate intervention as it can be managed with pain medication.