Editing Anatomy and Physiology – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 5==
A licensed practical nurse is caring for a patient with a new arm cast. Which findings should be reported to the registered nurse '''immediately'''? '''Select all that apply.'''
# Fingers that are cool and pale compared with the other hand.
# Capillary refill of 5 seconds in the casted extremity.
# Numbness and tingling in the fingers of the casted arm.
# Mild itching under the cast.
# Pain that increases sharply when the fingers are gently moved.

'''Answer:''' 1, 2, 3, and 5 (A, B, C, E).

''Rationale:'' Neurovascular data collection distal to a cast checks whether the cast is compressing arteries and nerves. Coolness, pallor, capillary refill longer than 3 seconds, numbness or tingling, and pain on passive movement all suggest impaired circulation or nerve compression and must be reported at once, because prolonged compression causes permanent tissue and nerve damage. Option 4 is a common complaint that is uncomfortable but not an emergency; the patient is taught never to insert an object under the cast because it can injure the skin and cause infection.