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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. A level of 1.8 mg/dL is higher than the normal range (0.61.2 mg/dL for females), indicating impaired kidney function and an increased risk of AKI.
Choice B reason: A magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.72.2 mEq/L) and does not typically indicate an increased risk of AKI.
Choice C reason: A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range (720 mg/dL) and does not suggest an increased risk of AKI by itself.
Choice D reason: A serum osmolality of 290 mOsm/kg H2O is within the normal range (275295 mOsm/kg H2O) and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decreased neutrophil count is not typically associated with parasitic infections. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that responds to bacterial infections, so a decrease might be seen in viral infections or certain inflammatory conditions, but not specifically indicative of a parasitic infection.
Choice B reason: An elevated eosinophil count is often associated with parasitic infections, especially those involving tissue invasion. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response against parasitic infections. Normal eosinophil counts range from 0 to 500 cells per microliter of blood.
Choice C reason: An increased hemoglobin level is generally not related to the presence of a parasitic infection. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by various conditions, but they do not serve as a specific indicator for parasitic infections.
Choice D reason: An elevated platelet count can occur in various conditions, including inflammatory states and infections, but it is not a specific marker for parasitic infections. Platelets are components of blood that help with clotting and would not be used to differentiate between bacterial and parasitic infections.
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