After elastic wrap is applied to a sprained ankle, the patient reports tingling. What should you do?

After elastic wrap is applied to a sprained ankle, the patient reports tingling. What should you do?

• A. Assess the circulation, sensation, and movement in the left foot.
• B. Reassure the client that the pain is a direct result of the sprain ankle.
• C. Administer an analgesia for the pain in the left foot.
• D. Elevate the foot on a pillow to decrease the swelling.

Answer: (A)

Tingling after placing an elastic wrap can mean the wrap is too tight and is impairing nerves or blood flow to the foot. The priority is to perform a neurovascular check on the distal left foot. This means evaluating circulation (color, warmth, capillary refill, and distal pulses) and checking sensation and movement in the foot. If any sign of compromised perfusion or numbness/motor change is found, loosen or remove the wrap and re-apply it more loosely, then re-check in a few minutes. Reassurance or giving analgesia won’t fix a constriction issue, and while elevation can help with swelling, it doesn’t address potential neurovascular compromise. If the symptoms persist after loosening, notify the clinician.

Tingling after placing an elastic wrap can mean the wrap is too tight and is impairing nerves or blood flow to the foot. The priority is to perform a neurovascular check on the distal left foot. This means evaluating circulation (color, warmth, capillary refill, and distal pulses) and checking sensation and movement in the foot. If any sign of compromised perfusion or numbness/motor change is found, loosen or remove the wrap and re-apply it more loosely, then re-check in a few minutes. Reassurance or giving analgesia won’t fix a constriction issue, and while elevation can help with swelling, it doesn’t address potential neurovascular compromise. If the symptoms persist after loosening, notify the clinician.