[julsywulsy]

Thanks for your replies!!! Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, I am glad that you agreed the question was poorly written and that someone agreed with my answer.
I based my answer from a personal experience myself. I had a tib/fib break in my ankle and had plate & pins put in a few years ago. When I came out of surgery with my new hardware and cast, I was in excruciating pain that continually worsened (worse than childbirth) Anyway they gave me an icepack and put a pillow under my leg...

[jov]

Originally Posted by julsywulsy

This is just one example of what I feel are badly written test questions. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this? I think out of each exam we face around 15 questions that are written so poorly that it is almost impossible to figure out what exactly they want you to be "critically thinking" of.
I usually dont make a big deal out of things like this but it is getting to the point that my grades are dropping and its not because I am not studying.
Any suggestions or reassurance is greatly appreciated!!!

I'm in the middle of my 3/5 semester towards a BSN. As far as grades, test questions, etc., I have come to the conclusion that no matter how well I know the material, there invariably will be test questions where I don't think down the same road as the instructor. This does not mean my answers are wrong, they just didn't follow the same path as her reasoning, which ultimately means we arrive at different destinations. Since our grade scale requires 93 for an A, you can see what those questions do to a GPA.

Therefore, since I KNOW I know my stuff, I'm willing to let go of the grade, based on the fact that it is not a completely accurate assessment of my performance...

does that help at all??

[moongirl]

we were taught that if you suspect compartment syndrome you absolutely do not elevate it.....
plus you had already given them meds and the pain got worse instead of better, so i would have chose "C"

[MuddaMia]

Originally Posted by julsywulsy

Your patient just returned from having a cast set on their left arm. Your patient complains of worsening pain 30 mins after rec'g pain medication. What do you do?

A. Elevate the patients arm with pillows and apply an Icepack.
B. Offer them a cup of hot tea.
C. Call the Doctor and send for the cast-cutter.
D. Divert their attention from the pain with conversation.

How would you answer this question, based only on the information given? Please explain your rationale.

Thanks!

Jumped right to "C"...pain worse after 30 min is a sign of compartment syndrome

[MuddaMia]

Originally Posted by julsywulsy

Thanks for your replies!!! Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, I am glad that you agreed the question was poorly written and that someone agreed with my answer.
I based my answer from a personal experience myself. I had a tib/fib break in my ankle and had plate & pins put in a few years ago. When I came out of surgery with my new hardware and cast, I was in excruciating pain that continually worsened (worse than childbirth) Anyway they gave me an icepack and put a pillow under my leg...

I did not think the question was worded poorly..I think they wanted you to critically think your way to "C"

Also--numero uno rule of nursing school is not to rely on personal experience when answering a test question

[SanskeetRN]

We had a VERY similar question and the answer was C. I agree with the others who stated that worsening pain after giving pain meds (and 30 min. should be sufficient to see start seeubg a decrease in pain) is a red flag for compartment syndrome. So therefore the Dr. should be notified immediately and have the tools available to remove the cast if necessary.

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by MuddaMia

I did not think the question was worded poorly..I think they wanted you to critically think your way to "C"

Thank you! I didn't think this question was worded poorly at all.

[raekaylvn]

I would've immediately said A as well. But I only would've said that because when I broke my wrist and had a full arm cast, it hurt so much. I was told to keep it elevated with an ice pack. But critically thinking, if the pain is worsening after 30 minutes, then further action would be needed.

I hate questions like these! We get them all the time!

[lankenau07]

Well first let me say hello to everyone. I am new to this site and already I am finding it really helpful.
In reading the question I also picked "C" I was assumming that it was compartment syndrome but the problem that I run into is my instructors seem to contradict themselves, first they tell us not to read into a question and other times they tell us to critically think. I can always get down to at least two answers that could be right but my problem is prioritizing...HELP...

[WeeBabyRN]

Originally Posted by julsywulsy

Your patient just returned from having a cast set on their left arm. Your patient complains of worsening pain 30 mins after rec'g pain medication. What do you do?

A. Elevate the patients arm with pillows and apply an Icepack.
B. Offer them a cup of hot tea.
C. Call the Doctor and send for the cast-cutter.
D. Divert their attention from the pain with conversation.

How would you answer this question, based only on the information given? Please explain your rationale.

Thanks!

I choose C, becaue of the worsening pain despite medication.