Neurovascular Checks And Cast/Compartment Concerns Practice Test

A 40-year-old client is in an orthopedic unit with a circumferential cast for a left radius fracture placed yesterday. The client reports increasing pain and numbness; assessment reveals fingers pale, capillary refill 5 seconds, decreased sensation, and pain with passive finger stretch. What is the PRIORITY nursing intervention?

A 72-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is 1 day after a right ankle fracture with a fiberglass short-leg cast. The client reports new tightness and tingling in the right foot; assessment shows increasing swelling, pain with passive toe extension, capillary refill 4 seconds, and decreased sensation over the toes; vital signs are temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), heart rate 104/min, blood pressure 148/86 mm Hg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. What is the PRIORITY nursing intervention?