Question

An adult male who fell from a roof and fractured his left femur is admitted for surgical stabilization after having a soft cast applied in the emergency department. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

a.Pale, diaphoretic skin.
b.Pain score 8 out of 10.
c.Onset of mild confusion.
d.Weak palpable distal pulses

Answer 1

Weak palpable distal pulses warrant immediate intervention by the nurse, as it may indicate compromised blood flow to the extremity following a fracture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse is weak palpable distal pulses.

Weak palpable distal pulses can indicate compromised blood flow to the extremity, which is a serious concern following a fracture. It may suggest a vascular injury or the formation of a blood clot, which can lead to further complications including tissue damage and limb loss.

Immediate intervention is necessary to assess the severity of the vascular compromise and to restore blood flow if needed, which may include measures such as repositioning the limb or performing emergency surgery.