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A nurse is caring for a client in an orthopedic unit.

Exhibits

Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

The client is at risk for developing

and
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

  • Deep vein syndrome: This is not a recognized condition. The intended term may have been deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a valid orthopedic complication, but the clinical findings in this scenario point more urgently toward compartment syndrome and infection.
  • Osteomyelitis: The client has an open fracture with drainage from the splint, a significantly elevated WBC count (28,000/mm³), and a high fever (38.9°C / 102°F). These findings suggest the development of a bone infection (osteomyelitis), especially in the context of recent surgery and internal fixation.
  • Fat embolism syndrome: While fat embolism is a risk with long bone fractures, this client is not displaying key hallmark signs such as respiratory distress, petechiae, or altered mental status. The findings are more consistent with infection and circulatory compromise.
  • Compartment syndrome: The client has classic signs including cool foot, numbness, inability to move toes, absent pulses, delayed capillary refill, and increased pain. These are hallmark signs of neurovascular compromise from compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The stoma appears dark purple in color. This is a priority finding, as it may indicate impaired circulation or necrosis of the stoma tissue. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red and moist. A dark purple or black color requires immediate evaluation.
B. The colostomy has had no output. While it is important to monitor output, it is not unusual for a new colostomy to have minimal or no output in the first 24–48 hours post-op as bowel function returns.
C. The client refuses to look at the colostomy. This is a psychosocial concern and may indicate body image issues or denial, but it is not the most urgent issue in the immediate postoperative period.
D. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Pain management is important, but a pain level of 6, while needing intervention, does not take priority over a potential vascular compromise of the stoma.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Complete activities for one client before moving to the next client. Focusing on completing tasks for one client at a time helps ensure safe, uninterrupted care, reduces errors, and promotes efficiency in task completion.
B. Document assessment findings and interventions after providing care for a group of clients. Delaying documentation increases the risk of forgetting important details and may lead to inaccuracies. Documentation should be done promptly after care is provided.
C. Gather supplies for a client's dressing change after removing the old dressing. Supplies should be gathered before beginning a procedure to prevent delays, reduce exposure time, and avoid leaving the client unattended.
D. Delay cleaning personal work area until the end of the shift. Maintaining a clean and organized workspace throughout the shift improves efficiency, infection control, and safety, especially in shared environments.

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