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:
Using chemotherapy instead of radiation may not be a viable option as the treatment plan is based on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy can also affect fertility, so it is not a direct solution to the concern of infertility.
Choice B reason:
Fertility medications during treatment might help preserve fertility, but they do not address the direct impact of radiation on reproductive organs. Additionally, the use of such medications should be discussed with an oncologist and a fertility specialist.
Choice C reason:
Radiation shielding techniques involve using protective shields to limit radiation exposure to the reproductive organs. This can help reduce the risk of infertility caused by radiation, especially when the pelvic area is involved in the treatment.
Choice D reason:
Surgical interventions to remove the cancer may be part of the treatment plan, but they do not directly address the concern of radiation-induced infertility. Surgery can also result in infertility, depending on the organs involved and the extent of the procedure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus primarily affects the kidneys and fluid balance in the body, leading to frequent urination and thirst but not directly affecting heart rate.
Choice B reason:
Moist mucous membranes are not expected in diabetes insipidus. In fact, due to excessive urination, a person with diabetes insipidus is more likely to experience dry mucous membranes from dehydration unless they are adequately hydrating.
Choice C reason:
Urine specific gravity 1.002 is a key finding in diabetes insipidus. This condition is characterized by the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine with low specific gravity. Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.005 to 1.030⁴. A value of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, which is consistent with the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine in diabetes insipidus.
Choice D reason:
Bounding peripheral pulses are not a finding associated with diabetes insipidus. Bounding pulses may be associated with other conditions such as fever, anemia, or hyperthyroidism but not typically with diabetes insipidus.
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