Question

A client with a fractured right femur begins to complain of pain and swelling in the left leg. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action? A. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's complaints B. Perform an assessment of the client's left leg C. Elevate the left leg on two pillows to reduce edema D. Administer ordered analgesic for pain relief

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate initial nursing action is to perform an assessment of the client's left leg.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A

Option A is to notify the healthcare provider of the client's complaints. This action is important but may not be the most appropriate initial action. The nurse should gather more information about the client's condition before contacting the healthcare provider.

Evaluate Option B

Option B is to perform an assessment of the client's left leg. This is a crucial initial action, as it helps the nurse gather relevant information about the client's condition. An assessment includes observing the leg for abnormalities, checking for a difference in temperature, and evaluating the client's pain level. This information will help the nurse make a more informed decision on how to proceed.

Evaluate Option C

Option C is to elevate the left leg on two pillows to reduce edema. While elevating the leg can help with swelling, it doesn't address the potential cause of the pain. Moreover, it is not the most appropriate initial action without completing an assessment first.

Evaluate Option D

Option D is to administer ordered analgesic for pain relief. Although managing the client's pain is important, it's not a suitable initial action in this scenario. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and evaluate the pain before administering medications.

Determine the most appropriate initial nursing action

After evaluating all options, the most appropriate initial nursing action is Option B - Perform an assessment of the client's left leg. This will help the nurse better understand the client's condition and make more informed decisions regarding further actions, such as notifying the healthcare provider, elevating the leg, and administering pain relief medications.