which of the following statements best describes compartment syndrome

NCLEX-RN

Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX RN Questions

1. Which of the following statements best describes compartment syndrome?

A. An injury causes pain and tingling that starts in the buttock and travels down the leg.
B. An injury causes swelling within muscle tissue that leads to anoxia of nerves and muscles.
C. An injury causes permanent flexion of the interphalangeal joint, resulting in deformity.
D. An injury causes pain and swelling of the median plantar nerve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Compartment syndrome is characterized by swelling and increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to nerves and muscles. This can result from various causes, such as trauma or the application of a cast after a fracture. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can lead to tissue necrosis. Choice A is incorrect as pain and tingling starting in the buttock and traveling down the leg are not specific features of compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as permanent flexion of the interphalangeal joint is unrelated to compartment syndrome. Choice D is incorrect as pain and swelling of the median plantar nerve do not describe compartment syndrome.

2. What preparation is necessary for a colposcopy procedure?

A. NPO for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
B. D/C all hypertension medications for two days prior to the procedure.
C. Take three Dulcolax tablets and two containers of Miralax the day before to clear out the lower GI system.
D. None of the above prep is necessary for this type of procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A colposcopy procedure is performed to examine the vagina and cervix. The only preparation required is washing the external genitals with soap and water on the morning of the procedure. Choices A, B, and C suggest unnecessary preparations that are not relevant to a colposcopy. NPO for 8-12 hours, discontinuing hypertension medications, and using laxatives are not part of the standard preparation for a colposcopy.

3. A client is admitted to a nursing unit with a remittent fever. Which statement best describes this pattern of fever?

A. A fever that spikes and then lowers without returning to normal
B. A fever that lasts 2 days followed by normal temperature for 2 days, followed by fever again
C. A fever that lasts 2 days followed by normal temperature for 12 hours, followed by fever again
D. A persistent fever that has lasted over 24 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A remittent fever is characterized by temperature fluctuations where the fever spikes and then lowers but does not return to normal temperature. Option A best describes this pattern of fever. Option B describes a pattern of fever known as a biphasic fever, where the fever alternates between days of fever and normal temperature. Option C describes a pattern of fever that is more indicative of an intermittent fever, where the fever lasts for a specific duration followed by an interval of normal temperature. Option D does not accurately describe a remittent fever, as it suggests a persistent fever that has lasted over 24 hours, which is not specific to the remittent pattern.

4. The chain of infection includes the ________________.

A. germ, agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host
B. active natural, active artificial, passive natural, and passive artificial
C. opportunism, weakness, immunity, and colonization
D. intrinsic, extrinsic, internal, and external transmission

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The chain, or cycle, of infection includes the germ (microorganism), agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host. This sequence describes how infections are passed from one person to another. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to types of immunity, not components of the chain of infection. Choice C is also incorrect as it lists terms unrelated to the chain of infection. Choice D is incorrect as it describes transmission types, not components of the chain of infection. Understanding the chain of infection is crucial in preventing the spread of infections by breaking one or more links in the chain, such as interrupting the mode of transmission through proper hand hygiene.

5. A client with a broken femur is in a traction splint in bed. Which of the following interventions is NOT part of caring for this client?

A. Palpating the temperature of both feet
B. Evaluating pulses bilaterally
C. Turning the client to a side-lying position
D. Relieving heel pressure by placing a pillow under the foot

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client with a broken femur in a traction splint, turning the client to a side-lying position is not recommended. This client is at risk of skin breakdown and complications due to the injury, making it important to prevent unnecessary movement that may increase the risk of injury or discomfort. Palpating the temperature of both feet helps in assessing circulation, evaluating pulses bilaterally ensures perfusion to the extremities, and relieving heel pressure by placing a pillow under the foot helps in reducing pressure points and preventing complications like pressure ulcers. Therefore, the correct answer is turning the client to a side-lying position as it is not a recommended intervention in this scenario.