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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased blood pressure can be a sign of many conditions, including gastrointestinal perforation, but it is not specific and can occur in various other medical situations.
Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are generally not associated with gastrointestinal perforation. They can occur in conditions like gastroenteritis or early bowel obstruction.
Choice C reason: Sudden abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen, can be a sign of gastrointestinal perforation. This pain is often severe and can be accompanied by signs of peritonitis.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, may occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to internal bleeding or infection, which can be secondary to gastrointestinal perforation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. Prerenal AKI is characterized by conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys, not directly causing high sodium levels.
Choice B reason: This choice is correct. Hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood, is a common electrolyte imbalance seen in prerenal AKI due to decreased kidney function and the inability to excrete potassium.
Choice C reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, is not a typical finding in prerenal AKI.
Choice D reason: Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, is not commonly associated with prerenal AKI. It is more often related to other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy.
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