Question

A patient has been provided with a compression dressing in an attempt to facilitate rapid healing of an ankle sprain. What is a priority nursing assessment?

1. Frequent examination of the character and quantity of exudate
2. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of local or systemic infections
3. Assessment of the patient's circulation distal to the location of the dressing
4. Assessment of the range of motion of the ankle and the patient's activity tolerance

Answer 1

A priority nursing assessment when a patient has a compression dressing for an ankle sprain is to monitor for signs and symptoms of local or systemic infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

A priority nursing assessment when a patient has been provided with a compression dressing for an ankle sprain is to monitor for signs and symptoms of local or systemic infections. This is important because wounds can become infected, leading to delayed healing and potential complications. Nurses should assess for signs such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and presence of pus or drainage, as well as systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, and elevated white blood cell count.