Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What symptom might indicate nerve impairment in a patient who has recently undergone hip replacement?

1. Hot, warm, red area over the joint

2. Decrease in popliteal pulse

3. Popping noise and alteration in length of leg

4. Paresthesia

The correct answer is: Paresthesia

Paresthesia is a symptom that typically indicates nerve impairment, particularly following surgical procedures such as a hip replacement. This condition presents as abnormal sensations, which might include tingling, prickling, or numbness in the affected area. After surgery, nerves may be temporarily or permanently damaged due to physical injury, compression, or inflammation, leading to these sensations. When a patient experiences paresthesia, it signals that the nerve pathways or the neuromuscular connections around the hip area have been disturbed. This can affect the patient’s mobility and sensation, which is critical to monitor during recovery from a hip replacement. Recognizing paresthesia early can prompt healthcare providers to assess the situation further and implement interventions to mitigate the risk of long-term nerve damage. Other symptoms listed, such as a warm or red area over the joint or a decrease in the popliteal pulse, might indicate issues related to infection or circulation, respectively, but they do not specifically denote nerve impairment. A popping noise or alteration in leg length can suggest mechanical issues or complications of the joint itself, rather than being direct indicators of nerve function. Therefore, the presence of paresthesia is a more definitive sign that points toward nerve impairment in the context of recovery from hip replacement surgery.