Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a full arm cast and reports pain of 8 on a scale from 0 to 10 that is unrelieved by pain medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

A. Administer additional pain medication.
B. Check the circulation of the affected extremity.
C. Document the findings.
D. Reposition the affected extremity.

Answer 1

The nurse should first check the circulation of the affected extremity to ensure there are no circulatory problems that could be causing the severe pain. Administering additional pain medication or documenting findings should be done after assessing the circulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to check the circulation of the affected extremity as the first action. The client's arm cast and reports of severe pain that is unrelieved by medication could indicate a potential circulatory problem such as compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow. Checking the circulation involves assessing for signs of poor blood flow, such as pallor, coolness, or diminished pulse in the affected extremity. If there are any signs of compromised circulation, it is important to address it immediately to prevent further complications.

The other options, such as administering additional pain medication, documenting the findings, or repositioning the affected extremity, may be appropriate actions but should be done after assessing the circulation to ensure that the client's immediate safety and well-being are addressed.