Question

1. A nurse I s caring for a preschooler who had an arm cast applied 24 hr ago. Which of the following findings should cause the nurse to suspect neurovascular impairment?

1. The fingers are warm
2. The arm feels itchy.
3. The arm is swollen
4. The cast feels heavy

Answer 1

-A nurse is caring for a preschooler who had an arm cast applied 24 hr ago. Which of the following findings should cause the nurse to suspect neurovascular impairment?

Answer - The option C is correct, the swelling of arm can lead to neurovascular impairment because with increased swelling there is marked pressure on vessels and nerves. Oedema leads to arterial, venous and nerve compressions causing causing pallor, redness/pain/swelling and numbness respectively.

The other options are incorrect as

A-The fingers are warm, warm fingers actually indicate good blood circulation

B-The arm feels itchy, this occur when patient feels allergic to cast or the cast is wet

C-The cast feels heavy, when the cast not dry and is wet or when cast is tight.