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
Has a vocabulary of four words. This is because a 24-month-old toddler should be able to speak about 50 or more words and use simple phrases. Having a vocabulary of only four words indicates a significant delay in speech and language development that should be reported to the provider.
Choice A is wrong because drawing a circle is a normal fine motor skill for a 24- month-old toddler.
Choice C is wrong because jumping with both feet is a normal gross motor skill for a 24-month-old toddler.
Choice D is wrong because weighing 12 kg (26.5 Ib) is within the average range for a 24-month-old toddler.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should begin discharge planning upon the client’s admission. This is because discharge planning is a key aspect of effective care that reduces the length of stay, emergency readmissions and pressure on hospital beds. Discharge planning involves considering what support might be required by the client in the community, referring the client to these services, and liaising with these services to manage the client’s discharge.
Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not responsible for providing a written prescription for a client home care referral. This is the role of the provider or another authorised prescriber.
Choice C is wrong because a home hazard appraisal does not include an assessment of the client’s financial resources. A home hazard appraisal is an evaluation of the safety and accessibility of the client’s home environment.
Choice D is wrong because a medication reconciliation is not required 24 hours prior to the client’s discharge. A medication reconciliation is a process of comparing the medications a client is taking with those prescribed for them to avoid errors or discrepancies. A medication reconciliation should be done at every transition of care, including admission, transfer and discharge.
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