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 D
Explanation
This action indicates that the charge nurse should intervene because adding food coloring to the tube feeding is not recommended and can cause adverse effects such as aspiration, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Choice A is wrong because checking the volume of the aspirate is a correct action to assess gastric residual volume and prevent complications such as nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Choice B is wrong because checking the pH of the aspirate is a correct action to verify the placement of the NG tube and prevent accidental administration of enteral feeding into the lungs.
Choice C is wrong because administering 15 mL of water before administering the feeding is a correct action to flush the NG tube and prevent clogging.
Normal ranges for gastric residual volume are less than 250 mL for adults and less than 5 mL/kg for children. Normal ranges for pH of gastric aspirate are less than 5.5 for adults and less than 4 for children.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Changing positions slowly can help prevent these symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because palpitations are not an expected side effect of verapamil, but rather a sign of a possible overdose or a serious heart problem that requires medical attention.
Choice C is wrong because verapamil should be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset and increase absorption.
Choice D is wrong because verapamil does not cause weight loss, but rather weight gain as a possible side effect.
Increasing calorie intake is not necessary and may worsen other health conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
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