Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

When checking a splinted limb, which is NOT a vital assessment?

1. Circulation status.

2. Sensation assessment.

3. Movement ability.

4. Skin color comparison.

The correct answer is: Skin color comparison.

In assessing a splinted limb, it's essential to evaluate various indicators to ensure the limb is functioning properly and to identify any potential complications. Among these indicators, circulation status, sensation assessment, and movement ability are all vital assessments. Circulation status involves checking for pulse presence, capillary refill time, and temperature differences, which can indicate adequate blood flow and prevent ischemic conditions. Sensation assessment, which includes testing the patient’s ability to feel light touch, pain, or temperature, helps to ensure that the nerves are intact and functioning properly. Movement ability assesses the patient’s capacity to move the limb, which is crucial for determining functional integrity and preventing complications such as stiffness or atrophy. While skin color comparison can provide useful information regarding potential circulatory issues (with pallor possibly indicating inadequate perfusion), it does not serve as a standalone vital assessment like the aforementioned checks. Instead of being a definitive assessment on its own, skin color comparison can be more subjective and influenced by various factors, such as lighting and the patient's skin tone. Hence, while it may assist in the overall evaluation, it does not hold the same critical importance as circulation, sensation, and movement in the management of a splinted limb.