Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
A client has a tibial fracture that required casting. Approximately 5 hours later, the client has increasing pain distal to the left tibial fracture despite the morphine injection administered 30 minutes previously. Which of the following should be the nurse's next assessment?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Increasing pain despite analgesia suggests compartment syndrome; checking the distal pulse assesses for vascular compromise.