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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Encourage the client to help care for their surgical incision. This can help the client accept the body image change and promote healing.

Choice B is wrong because suggesting that the client decide about reconstruction as soon as possible can pressure the client and interfere with their coping process.

Choice C is wrong because postponing referrals to support services until the client requests them can delay the client’s emotional recovery and increase their isolation.

Choice D is wrong because avoiding talking to the client about the surgery can indicate that the nurse is uncomfortable with the topic and discourage the client from expressing their feelings.

A. A client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus. B. A client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission. C. A client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa. D. A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr. This client is at risk of urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection due to the effects of epidural anesthesia, perineal trauma, and fluid shifts after delivery. The nurse should assess the client’s bladder and catheterize if necessary.

Choice A is wrong because a client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus is showing a normal finding.

The fundus should descend about 1 to 2 cm per day after delivery and be nonpalpable by day 10.

Choice B is wrong because a client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission is not uncommon.

Constipation is a common problem after delivery due to decreased peristalsis, dehydration, and fear of pain.

The nurse should encourage fluid intake, fiber intake, and early ambulation to promote bowel function.

Choice C is wrong because a client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa is also showing a normal finding.

Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown discharge that occurs from day 4 to 10 after delivery.

It consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help the client cope with the body image change resulting from the surgery?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients is the nurse’s priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is using an interpreter to communicate with a client who speaks a different language than the nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is collecting data for a client’s health history as well as physical examination. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a newly-admitted client who has schizophrenia and a history of aggressive behavior. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the initial plan?

A nurse is caring for a preschooler immediately following a tonsillectomy and notices the child swallowing frequently. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory results prior to administering the client’s medications. The nurse notes that the client’s lithium level is 2.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following results should the nurse expect?

A nurse at a long-term care facility is caring for a client who has AIDS. The client accidentally spills the contents of their urinal on the floor. After cleaning up the spill with soap and water, the nurse should apply a solution of water and which of the following disinfectants to the floor?

A nurse is preparing a client for a pelvic examination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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?