Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A patient presents with severe pain in the forearm following a closed reduction of a fractured ulna. The pain worsens with passive movement, and the forearm appears swollen and tense. The patient describes the pain as out of proportion to the injury. Which of the following actions should the emergency nurse prioritize?

  • Immediately prepare the patient for a fasciotomy to relieve pressure.

  • Immobilize the forearm and instruct the patient to keep it elevated.

  • Measure the compartment pressures of the affected forearm.

  • Give NSAIDs for the severe pain and reassess in 30 minutes.

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Musculoskeletal and Wound Emergencies
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