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:
Danazol is a synthetic steroid that is typically used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It is not indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and could potentially worsen symptoms due to its androgenic effects.
Choice B reason:
Methyltestosterone is an anabolic steroid with androgenic properties, similar to the male hormone testosterone. It is used to treat men with testosterone deficiency. However, it is not used for BPH treatment and, like danazol, could exacerbate BPH symptoms due to its androgenic activity.
Choice C reason:
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of BPH. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help shrink the prostate and alleviate urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Choice D reason:
Fluoxymesterone is another anabolic steroid with testosterone-like effects. It is used to treat conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. It is not suitable for BPH treatment and could potentially worsen the condition due to its androgenic properties.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. Hypoglycemia
Choice A reason:
Hyperglycemia: This statement is wrong because hyperglycemia typically presents with symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, not sweating and anxiety.
Choice B reason:
Nephropathy: This statement is wrong because nephropathy, a kidney complication, does not cause acute symptoms like sweating and anxiety. It usually presents with proteinuria and progressive kidney dysfunction.
Choice C reason:
Ketoacidosis: This statement is wrong because diabetic ketoacidosis usually presents with symptoms like fruity breath, nausea, vomiting, and deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations), not sweating and anxiety.
Choice D reason:
Hypoglycemia: This statement is correct because hypoglycemia is characterized by symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, palpitations, and confusion due to the release of adrenaline in response to low blood glucose levels.
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