The Nurse Assesses a Child's Neurovascular Status

The nurse assesses a child's neurovascular status. The child has a long leg cast for a fracture of the humerus. The nurse finds that there is a slight decreased sensation in the foot and toes of the casted leg as compared to the baseline assessment data. The nurse realizes that this is indicative of which of the following conditions?

A) a normal condition because sensation will increase and decrease slightly and not be exactly stable
B) pain that competes for recognition with sensation in the pain gateway theory
C) neurovascular compromise and an indication of the need for further assessment
D) probable interrater reliability error calling for establishment of a new baseline