You are reassessing the distal circulation on a patient's forearm you have bandaged. The distal hand and wrist are cool to the touch and turning pale. The patient complains of numbness and tingling in that hand. What is your next course of action?
A) Loosen the bandage and see if that relieves the signs and symptoms.
B) Keep the dressing and bandage in place and expedite transport.
C) Administer pain medication to help relieve the symptoms.
D) Sling and swathe the arm to the chest and reassess the distal circulation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described (coolness, pallor, numbness, and tingling in the hand) suggest that the bandage may be too tight, compromising blood flow to the distal extremities. Loosening the bandage is the correct course of action to relieve these signs and symptoms, aiming to restore proper circulation.

You Are Reassessing the Distal Circulation on a Patient's Forearm