A 68-year-old male patient, who underwent bilateral total hip arthroplasty two years ago, has been brought to the emergency department (ED) by ambulance.
He reports that he slipped while putting away groceries at home.
He fell face-forward, hitting his head on the wall and his left shoulder on the floor.
He is experiencing pain mainly in his shoulder, but also in his right knee.
Additionally, he feels nauseated and tired.
Based on this information, which of the following are potential diagnoses?
Rotator cuff injury
Humeral fracture
Concussion
Knee sprain .
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A rationale
A rotator cuff injury could be a possibility given the patient’s age and the nature of the fall. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and injuries to this area are common in falls where the shoulder takes the impact.
Choice B rationale
A humeral fracture could also be a possibility. The humerus is the bone in the upper arm, and it can be fractured in falls, especially in older adults who may have weaker bones.
Choice C rationale
A concussion could be a possibility given that the patient hit his head on the wall. Symptoms of a concussion can include nausea and fatigue, which the patient is experiencing.
Choice D rationale
A knee sprain could be a possibility given that the patient is experiencing pain in his right knee. Sprains occur when the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that hold bones together, are stretched or torn.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint, including the cartilage, break down over time. The degradation of joint cartilage is the primary pathological condition that leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as increased pain and stiffness.
Choice B rationale
A systemic inflammatory response is not the primary cause of osteoarthritis. While inflammation can occur in the affected joint, osteoarthritis is not a systemic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice C rationale
An infectious process in the synovial fluid is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Infections can lead to a different type of arthritis known as septic arthritis.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in bone mineral density is associated with osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the issue is primarily with the degradation of cartilage, not a loss of bone density.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.
Choice B rationale
Neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. An elevated neutrophil count can indicate an infection, making it the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood. While platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, they are not directly related to infection and therefore not the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Serum sodium level is a measure of the amount of sodium in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.
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