A 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the ulna at approximately 9 a.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency room and his arm placed in a cast. At 6 p.m. his mother has brought him back to the emergency room due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by his prescribed narcotics. What should the nurse do first?
a) Assess the neurovascular status of the arm.
b) Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
c) Alert the doctor immediately and apply ice.
d) Give additional pain medication as ordered.
Answer: c)Alert the doctor immediately and apply ice.
If the answers is incorrect or not given, you can answer the above question in the comment box. If the answers is incorrect or not given, you can answer the above question in the comment box.