Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has been placed in Buck's extension traction while awaiting surgical repair of a fractured femur. The nurse prepares to perform a complete neurovascular assessment of the affected extremity and plans to assess:

a. Vital signs and bilateral lung sounds.
b. Warmth of the skin and the temperature in the affected extremity.
c. Pain level and for the presence of edema in the affected extremity.
d. Color, sensation, movement, capillary refill, and pulse of the affected extremity.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess color, sensation, movement, capillary refill, and pulse of the affected extremity for a complete neurovascular assessment in a patient with a fractured femur.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse preparing to perform a complete neurovascular assessment of a client's affected extremity, who is awaiting surgical repair of a fractured femur in Buck's extension traction, should assess color, sensation, movement, capillary refill, and pulse of the affected extremity. These assessments are crucial to ensure that the extremity is receiving adequate blood flow and thus, oxygen and nutrients, to maintain tissue viability and detect any signs of neurovascular compromise early. This comprehensive approach looks at the extremity's overall status, including assessing for possible neuropathy or vascular injury, which could be evidenced by changes in sensation, color, or temperature, among other factors.