Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Full-length
The nurse is monitoring a client with a fracture to the left arm. Which sign observed by the nurse is consistent with impaired venous return in the area?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Impaired venous return is characterized by increasing edema. In the client with a fracture, this is most often prevented by elevating the limb. The other options identify signs of arterial damage, which can occur if the artery is contused, thrombosed, lacerated, or becomes spastic.