Question

A nurse has applied a bandage to a client's arm from just above the wrist to just below the elbow. Which of the following would alert the nurse to the possibility that the client's circulation is impaired? Select all that apply.

a) Decreased radial pulse
b) Pale, cool hand
c) Fingers with quick CRT
d) Absence of cyanosis
e) Complaints of finger numbness

Answer 1

Decreased radial pulse, pale, cool hand, and complaints of finger numbness are signs of potentially impaired circulation. Nurse should monitor these symptoms after bandaging to ensure proper tissue perfusion in the limb.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse has applied a bandage to a client's arm from just above the wrist to just below the elbow. Signs that may alert the nurse to the possibility that the client's circulation is impaired include: a) Decreased radial pulse, b) Pale, cool hand, and e) Complaints of finger numbness. A decreased radial pulse would indicate that the blood flow through the radial artery is compromised. A pale and cool hand suggests that the blood flow to the extremity is insufficient and could be due to the bandage being too tight, thus impairing arterial circulation. Complaints of finger numbness could indicate nerve compression or lack of blood flow to the nerves.

Fingers with quick CRT (capillary refill time) and absence of cyanosis are not indicators of impaired circulation. Quick CRT indicates good perfusion, and absence of cyanosis suggests adequate oxygenation.

Monitoring for symptoms of impaired circulation is crucial after a bandage is applied. The nurse should reassess the circulation, checking the pulse, skin temperature, color, and sensation distal to the bandaged area regularly to ensure ongoing tissue perfusion.