A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and Rh-negative. The nurse should plan to monitor which of the following maternal laboratory test results to determine maternal-fetal blood incompatibility?

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.

Encourage the client to visit with someone who has had an amputation.

This strategy can help the client cope with the loss of a body part and learn from the experience of others who have gone through a similar situation.

Choice A is wrong because suggesting that the client wear facility clothing until the prosthesis fitting can delay the client’s acceptance of the body image alteration and increase the risk of infection.

Choice C is wrong because discouraging the client from touching the residual limb for the first week can interfere with the healing process and prevent the client from becoming familiar with the new body part.

Choice D is wrong because reassuring the client that the rehabilitation program is optional can discourage the client from participating in physical therapy and hinder the recovery and adaptation.