A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation to repair a fracture of the femur. Which of the following assessment findings is an early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome (FES)?
Headache
Dyspnea
Red-brown petechiae
Altered mental status
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Headache can be associated with FES; however, it is not typically considered an early sign. It may occur as a part of the broader spectrum of symptoms.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is one of the earliest signs of FES. Patients may experience shortness of breath due to fat globules obstructing pulmonary vessels.
Choice C reason: Red-brown petechiae, which are small, pinpoint hemorrhages, can appear on the skin and are a classic sign of FES, often found in the axillary region or on the chest.
Choice D reason: Altered mental status, including confusion and drowsiness, can occur early in FES due to fat emboli traveling to the cerebral circulation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The normal range for serum creatinine is indeed 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. As kidneys become impaired for any reason, the serum creatinine level rises due to poor clearance by the kidneys.
Choice B reason: A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m for three months or more is one of the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, and a lower GFR indicates poorer kidney function.
Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels should indeed be between 7 and 20 mg/dL. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. BUN levels can rise with the level of protein in your diet and your kidney function[^10^].
Choice D reason: An increase in serum potassium can indicate hyperkalemia, which may be a sign of acute kidney injury. Potassium is a critical electrolyte, and its levels are tightly regulated by the kidneys. High levels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis would be indicated by an elevated pH and HCO3, but the PaCO2 would typically be higher due to compensatory hypoventilation.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice. The elevated pH and low PaCO2 indicate respiratory alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation. The normal HCO3 suggests that there has been no renal compensation, hence 'uncompensated'.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because, for metabolic alkalosis to be uncompensated, the PaCO2 would typically be normal or high, not low.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and high PaCO2, which is not the case here.
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