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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Keeping artificial nails trimmed is a recommended practice in healthcare settings to maintain effective hand hygiene. Long nails can harbor bacteria and make it difficult to clean hands thoroughly. However, the CDC does not provide specific guidelines on the length of artificial nails for healthcare workers.

Choice B reason:
When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water rather than using alcohol-based hand rubs. Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against C. difficile spores. Therefore, thorough handwashing with soap and water is necessary to remove spores.

Choice C reason:
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is recommended for hand hygiene in certain situations, such as before invasive procedures or for clients who are immunosuppressed. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a suitable choice for immunocompromised patients to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice D reason:
The use of alcohol-based hand rubs before administering eye drops is not specifically recommended. While hand hygiene is essential before any contact with a patient, there is no particular preference for alcohol-based hand rubs in this context. The primary concern is to ensure that hands are clean to prevent contamination of the eye drops or the patient's eyes.

A. Dry the prosthesis socket completely before applying it to the limb. B. Apply a moisturizing lotion or oil to the stump daily. C. Keep the prosthesis in direct contact with the residual limb. D. Expect some skin irritation from the prosthesis.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
It is essential to dry the prosthesis socket completely before applying it to the limb to prevent any moisture-related issues, such as skin irritation or infection. Moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth and can also cause the prosthesis to slip or not fit properly.

Choice B reason:
While it is important to keep the skin of the stump moisturized, applying lotion or oil immediately before putting on the prosthesis is not advised. Lotions and oils can make the skin slippery, leading to a poor fit of the prosthesis or even causing the prosthesis to slip off. It is better to apply moisturizer at a time when the prosthesis will not be worn for a while, allowing the skin to absorb the lotion fully.

Choice C reason:
The prosthesis should not be in direct contact with the residual limb without proper padding or a liner. Direct contact can lead to pressure sores, skin irritation, and discomfort. Properly fitted socks or liners should be used to cushion the limb and ensure a comfortable, secure fit.

Choice D reason:
While some skin irritation may be expected when first using a prosthesis, persistent irritation is not normal and should be addressed by a healthcare provider. The prosthesis may need to be adjusted, or there may be an issue with the fit or the materials used. Skin irritation should not be accepted as a standard part of using a prosthesis.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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A charge nurse is teaching a group of healthcare workers about hand hygiene to prevent infection. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has a prosthetic limb due to a right below-the-knee amputation about prosthesis and stump care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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