What should the nurse do if a patient complains of severe pain and tingling after a cast application?

What should the nurse do if a patient complains of severe pain and tingling after a cast application?

• A. Reassure the patient that it is normal
• B. Notify the physician
• C. Elevate the leg with 2 pillows
• D. Administer pain medication

Answer: (B)

When a patient complains of severe pain and tingling after a cast application, notifying the physician is the most appropriate action. Severe pain and tingling can indicate complications such as compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This can compromise circulation and potentially lead to tissue damage. Immediate assessment and intervention by a physician are necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms and to decide on the appropriate treatment. Early detection of such complications is essential to prevent permanent damage or loss of function in the affected limb. While the other options might seem helpful in alleviating the patient’s discomfort or providing temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issue. Reassuring the patient without investigating the source of the pain could lead to exacerbation of a serious condition. Elevating the leg may help reduce swelling but does not address the potential for severe complications. Administering pain medication might provide symptomatic relief but could mask critical signs that require medical evaluation. Thus, promptly notifying the physician is crucial for ensuring the patient's safety and appropriate management of their condition.

When a patient complains of severe pain and tingling after a cast application, notifying the physician is the most appropriate action. Severe pain and tingling can indicate complications such as compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This can compromise circulation and potentially lead to tissue damage.

Immediate assessment and intervention by a physician are necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms and to decide on the appropriate treatment. Early detection of such complications is essential to prevent permanent damage or loss of function in the affected limb.

While the other options might seem helpful in alleviating the patient’s discomfort or providing temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issue. Reassuring the patient without investigating the source of the pain could lead to exacerbation of a serious condition. Elevating the leg may help reduce swelling but does not address the potential for severe complications. Administering pain medication might provide symptomatic relief but could mask critical signs that require medical evaluation. Thus, promptly notifying the physician is crucial for ensuring the patient's safety and appropriate management of their condition.