A nurse is caring for a client who has a compound fracture of the femur.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a manifestation of a fat embolism?
Report of pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
Pulses 2+ distal to the client’s fracture.
Petechiae over the client’s chest.
Bruising around the fracture site.
The Correct Answer is C
This is a manifestation of a fat embolism, which is a condition where particles of fat get into the bloodstream and block blood flow. A fat embolism can occur after trauma or surgery to the legs, when fat from the bone marrow escapes into the bloodstream.
Choice A is wrong because a report of pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not specific to a fat embolism.
Pain is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries.
Choice B is wrong because pulses 2+ distal to the client’s fracture are normal and indicate adequate blood flow to the extremity.
Choice D is wrong because bruising around the fracture site is an expected finding after a compound fracture and does not indicate a fat embolism.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg and for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.
They can range in size from pinpoint to several millimeters. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious complication of a fat embolism that affects the lungs, skin or brain and can be fatal. FES usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after trauma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Ask the client to empty their bladder.
This is because a full bladder can interfere with the pelvic examination and cause discomfort to the client. The nurse should also instruct the client to avoid douching, using tampons, vaginal medications, sprays, powders, birth control foam, cream, or jelly for at least 24 hours before the exam.
Choice A is wrong because the client should be placed in a lithotomy position, not a prone position, for a pelvic examination.
Choice C is wrong because douching can alter the normal vaginal flora and pH, and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D is wrong because placing the client’s arms over their head can tighten the abdominal muscles and make the examination more difficult. The nurse should ask the client to place their arms at their sides or across their chest.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should notify the provider because this value is lower than the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A low platelet count can indicate a risk of bleeding or a condition such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Choice B is wrong because WBC count 9,800/mm³ is within the normal range of 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Choice C is wrong because Hgb 13 mg/dL is within the normal range of 12 to 16 mg/dL for females and 14 to 18 mg/dL for males.
Choice D is wrong because Hct 42% is within the normal range of 37% to 47% for females and 42% to 52% for males.
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