A nurse is caring for an older adult client who had a femoral head fracture 24 hours ago and is in skin traction. The client reports shortness of breath and dyspnea. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following complications?
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
Airway obstruction
Fat embolism
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Pneumothorax, a collapsed lung, can indeed cause shortness of breath and dyspnea. However, it is typically associated with a sudden onset of these symptoms following a chest injury or spontaneously in the case of a ruptured air blister. In the context of a femoral head fracture, pneumothorax is less likely unless there was additional trauma to the chest area.
Choice B reason:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that leads to inflammation of the air sacs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. Symptoms include cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. While pneumonia could cause dyspnea, it usually develops due to an infectious process rather than directly from a femoral head fracture.
Choice C reason:
Airway obstruction involves a blockage that prevents air from passing freely to the lungs. It can be caused by foreign objects, swelling due to allergic reactions, or other medical conditions. The symptoms of airway obstruction include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and potential changes in skin color. However, airway obstruction is not commonly a direct complication of a femoral head fracture.
Choice D reason:
Fat embolism syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and lodge within the pulmonary vasculature, leading to respiratory distress. It is a known complication following long bone fractures, such as the femur, and presents with symptoms like shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and neurological manifestations. Given the recent femoral head fracture and the symptoms reported, fat embolism syndrome is the most likely diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Resuming sexual intercourse in 2 to 3 weeks may not be appropriate for all patients after such a major surgery. The recovery time can vary based on individual factors, including the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. It's essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations, which typically involve waiting until after the postoperative check-up, usually around 6 weeks, to ensure proper healing.
Choice B reason:
Increased vaginal drainage typically occurring 5 days following surgery could be a sign of infection or other complications. Normal postoperative discharge should gradually decrease over time. If a patient experiences increased drainage, especially if it's foul-smelling or accompanied by fever, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Choice C reason:
After a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, patients may experience vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels. Using artificial lubricants can help alleviate symptoms of itching and dryness, making this an appropriate instruction for postoperative care.
Choice D reason:
A Papanicolaou (Pap) test is not typically required every 6 months after a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine cancer unless the surgery was performed as treatment for cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer. For those who had the procedure due to benign conditions, further Pap tests are generally not necessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a) Raloxifene:
Raloxifene is part of a class of drugs known as selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs). It works by imitating the beneficial effects of the hormone estrogen on your bones, helping to prevent bone loss and improve density. Therefore, it is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Choice b) Calcitonin:
Calcitonin is a hormone that a person’s thyroid gland produces. It helps regulate the amount of calcium in the body. For the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, scientists typically extract calcitonin from salmon. This is because salmon calcitonin has a much higher potency than human calcitonin. Osteoclasts are cells in the body that degrade bone. Calcitonin can inhibit osteoclasts. This helps slow the loss of bone density and increases bone mass, hindering the progression of osteoporosis.
Choice c) Allopurinol:
Allopurinol is primarily used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is not typically used in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.
Choice d) Levothyroxine:
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is not typically used in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. However, if you are prescribed levothyroxine you should have regular blood tests, at least once a year, to ensure your thyroid hormone levels are not too high. Continuous high thyroid hormone levels may lead to developing or worsening of low bone density and osteoporosis.
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