What should be the nurse's first action for a patient showing symptoms after a cast application?

What should be the nurse's first action for a patient showing symptoms after a cast application?

• A. Reassess circulation
• B. Administer pain relief medications
• C. Make a report to the physician
• D. Elevate the affected limb

Answer: (C)

In a situation where a patient is showing symptoms after a cast application, the priority is the immediate assessment of the patient's condition. Reassessing circulation is essential, as it allows the nurse to determine if there's any compromise in blood flow to the affected area, which can lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome. Pain relief medications could be necessary to manage discomfort, but this action is secondary to ensuring that the integrity of circulation to the limb is intact. Although reporting to the physician is important, it should come after the nurse has conducted a thorough assessment and intervened appropriately, especially concerning potential complications. Elevating the affected limb is beneficial for reducing swelling but does not address the immediate concern of circulation assessment that may lead to further intervention. Therefore, reassessing circulation is the most critical first step in managing a patient who has just had a cast applied and is showing symptoms. By prioritizing this action, the nurse ensures the patient's safety and addresses any urgent issues that may arise.

In a situation where a patient is showing symptoms after a cast application, the priority is the immediate assessment of the patient's condition. Reassessing circulation is essential, as it allows the nurse to determine if there's any compromise in blood flow to the affected area, which can lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome.

Pain relief medications could be necessary to manage discomfort, but this action is secondary to ensuring that the integrity of circulation to the limb is intact. Although reporting to the physician is important, it should come after the nurse has conducted a thorough assessment and intervened appropriately, especially concerning potential complications.

Elevating the affected limb is beneficial for reducing swelling but does not address the immediate concern of circulation assessment that may lead to further intervention. Therefore, reassessing circulation is the most critical first step in managing a patient who has just had a cast applied and is showing symptoms. By prioritizing this action, the nurse ensures the patient's safety and addresses any urgent issues that may arise.