A client is admitted to the orthopedic unit with a fractured femur after a motorcycle accident. The client has been placed in traction until his femur can be rodded in surgery. For what early complications should the nurse monitor this client? Select all that apply.

Malunion

Compartment syndrome

Fat embolism

Deep vein thrombosis

Pulmonary emboli

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D,E

A. Malunion: Malunion happens when a fractured bone heals in an improper position, leading to deformity and functional impairment. While it is a concern, it typically develops over time during the healing process and is not an immediate early complication that the nurse would monitor for in the acute phase following a fracture.

B. Compartment syndrome: Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur after an injury, such as a fracture. When there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, it can lead to reduced blood flow, potentially causing tissue damage and nerve injury. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent complications.

C. Fat embolism: Fat embolism occurs when fat particles from the bone marrow or other sources enter the bloodstream, often after a long bone fracture or major trauma. These particles can travel to the lungs and other organs, causing respiratory distress, confusion, and other symptoms. Fat embolism is a significant concern in orthopedic trauma patients and requires careful monitoring.

D. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs. Patients with fractures, especially those immobilized for extended periods, are at increased risk for DVT. If a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication.

E. Pulmonary emboli: Pulmonary emboli occur when blood clots, often originating from DVT, travel to the lungs and block pulmonary arteries. This condition can lead to sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even cardiac arrest. Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Performing range of motion:
Explanation: Range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, especially in clients with casts. However, this is not the first priority. Ensuring adequate circulation and perfusion is crucial before initiating any exercises or movements, as compromised circulation could lead to serious complications.

B. Managing pain:
Explanation: Pain management is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority in this context. Assessing circulation and ensuring there are no signs of compromised perfusion takes precedence. Pain management can follow once circulation has been confirmed as adequate.

C. Checking capillary refill:
Explanation: Checking capillary refill is the first priority when assessing a client with a cast. Capillary refill assesses peripheral circulation by pressing on the nail bed and observing how quickly color returns. Delayed capillary refill could indicate compromised blood flow, which is a serious concern and requires immediate intervention.

D. Discussing cast care:
Explanation: Educating the client about cast care is important, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring proper circulation and ruling out any signs of impaired perfusion must be addressed before discussing cast care instructions.

A. Chronic pain B. Impaired skin integrity C. Risk for injury D. Ineffective tissue perfusion

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Chronic pain - Chronic pain is a concern for the client, but addressing the underlying issue of ineffective tissue perfusion will help alleviate pain by promoting healing and reducing tissue damage.

B. Impaired skin integrity - Impaired skin integrity is a result of ineffective tissue perfusion. By addressing perfusion issues, skin integrity can be improved as tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients for healing.

C. Risk for injury - While clients with arterial insufficiency ulcers are at risk for injury, the immediate concern is addressing the ineffective tissue perfusion to prevent complications related to poor circulation, such as tissue necrosis and infection.

D. Ineffective tissue perfusion- Arterial insufficiency ulcers are caused by inadequate blood flow to the tissues. The priority issue for a client with an arterial insufficiency ulcer is ineffective tissue perfusion. Due to decreased blood flow, tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to delayed wound healing, tissue damage, and potential complications. Interventions should focus on improving circulation, promoting vasodilation, and enhancing perfusion to facilitate wound healing and prevent further tissue damage.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is admitted to the orthopedic unit with a fractured femur after a motorcycle accident. The client has been placed in traction until his femur can be rodded in surgery. For what early complications should the nurse monitor this client? Select all that apply.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has a cast in place for a fractured tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with an arterial insufficiency ulcer. The nurse should plan interventions to address which priority issue?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a busy emergency department provides care for many clients who present with contusions, strains, or sprains. What are treatment modalities that are common to all of these musculoskeletal injuries? Select all that apply.

A nurse is to infuse two 1L bags of normal saline to a patient at 80ml/hr. How many hours will it take to infuse the total amount of normal saline? (Round to the whole number. Assume no interruptions in the infusion.)

A nurse is to administer a 500ml bolus of normal saline to a patient over 1 hour?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and has a new prescription for enoxaparin 1.5-2.5mg/kg subcutaneous. The client weighs 245 lbs. How many mg should the nurse administer for the low range of the dosage range? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number.)

A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?

A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

An emergency department client is diagnosed with a hip dislocation. The client's family is relieved that the client has not suffered a hip fracture, but the nurse explains that this is still considered to be a medical emergency. What is the rationale for the nurse's statement?