A nurse is caring for a client who has meningitis and a temperature of 39.7°C (103.5°F). The client is prescribed a hypothermia blanket. While using this therapy, the nurse should know that the client must be carefully observed for which of the following complications?

Dehydration

Burns

Shivering

Seizures

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Dehydration is a concern with fever, but it is not a direct complication of hypothermia blanket therapy. It is important to ensure adequate hydration, but the primary concern with hypothermia therapy is not dehydration.

Choice B reason: Burns could occur if the hypothermia blanket malfunctions or is used improperly. However, modern devices have safety features to prevent burns, making this a less likely complication.

Choice C reason: Shivering is a natural response to cooling and can occur as the body attempts to generate heat in response to the lowered temperature from the hypothermia blanket. It can be counterproductive to the therapy and may need to be controlled with medications.

Choice D reason: Seizures are not a typical complication of hypothermia blanket therapy. While meningitis can cause seizures due to inflammation of the brain, the hypothermia blanket itself does not induce seizures.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory Alkalosis Partially Compensated is characterized by an elevated pH over 7.45 and a PaCO2 under 35 mmHg, with a compensatory acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L. This does not match the patient's ABG results.

Choice B reason: Respiratory Acidosis Uncompensated is indicated by an acidic pH under 7.35 and an elevated PaCO2 over 45 mmHg, with HCO3 in the normal range of 2226 mEq/L. The patient's ABG results show a low pH and high PaCO2, which aligns with this condition.

Choice C reason: Metabolic Alkalosis Partially Compensated would show a basic pH over 7.45 and a basic HCO3 over 26 mEq/L, with a compensatory acidic PaCO2 over 45 mmHg[^10^]. The patient's ABG values do not support this diagnosis.

Choice D reason: Metabolic Acidosis Uncompensated would present with an acidic pH under 7.35 and an acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L, with PaCO2 in the normal range of 3545 mmHg⁸. The patient's normal HCO3 level does not indicate metabolic acidosis.

A. Headache B. Dyspnea C. Red-brown petechiae D. Altered mental status

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Headache can be associated with FES; however, it is not typically considered an early sign. It may occur as a part of the broader spectrum of symptoms.

Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is one of the earliest signs of FES. Patients may experience shortness of breath due to fat globules obstructing pulmonary vessels.

Choice C reason: Red-brown petechiae, which are small, pinpoint hemorrhages, can appear on the skin and are a classic sign of FES, often found in the axillary region or on the chest.

Choice D reason: Altered mental status, including confusion and drowsiness, can occur early in FES due to fat emboli traveling to the cerebral circulation.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has meningitis and a temperature of 39.7°C (103.5°F). The client is prescribed a hypothermia blanket. While using this therapy, the nurse should know that the client must be carefully observed for which of the following complications?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation to repair a fracture of the femur. Which of the following assessment findings is an early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome (FES)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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