Question

A nurse is assessing an adolescent who has sustained a broken tibia. Following the application of a fiberglass cast, the adolescent reports pain and a tingling feeling in the limb. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Administer pain medication as ordered.

B. Elevate the affected leg.
C. Assess for signs of compartment syndrome.
D. Encourage the adolescent to rest and avoid movement.

Answer 1

The first action a nurse should take when an adolescent with a cast reports pain and tingling is to assess for signs of compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an adolescent with a freshly applied fiberglass cast on a broken tibia reports pain and a tingling sensation in the limb, the first action a nurse should take is to assess for signs of compartment syndrome. This condition is a medical emergency where increased pressure within the muscle compartments inhibits blood flow, potentially causing muscle and nerve damage. Signs of compartment syndrome include severe pain that doesn't improve with pain medication, a feeling of tightness in the muscle, and numbness or tingling. If compartment syndrome is suspected, immediate medical intervention is required.

While it may be appropriate to administer pain medication as ordered, elevate the affected leg, or encourage rest, assessing for compartment syndrome is critical and should precede other measures. It is important to understand that pain from a fractured bone can extend beyond the location of the fracture, indicating more serious complications such as compartment syndrome.