A patient with comminuted fractures of the tibia and fibula is treated with open reduction and application of an external fixator. The next day, the patient complains of severe pain in the leg, which is unrelieved by ordered analgesics. The patient's toes are pink, but the patient complains of numbness and tingling. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to
a. notify the patient's health care provider.
b. check the patient's blood pressure.
c. assess the external fixator pins for redness or drainage.
d. elevate the extremity and apply ice over the wound site.
