A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a fractured left femur and is in skeletal traction. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fat emboli to report to the provider?

Ecchymosis of the thigh

Serous drainage at the pin site

Chest petechiae

Muscle spasms in the left leg

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect finding, because ecchymosis of the thigh, or bruising, is not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of bleeding or hematoma formation due to the fracture or the traction. The nurse should monitor the size and color of the ecchymosis and report any changes to the provider.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect finding, because serous drainage at the pin site, or clear fluid, is not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of normal healing or infection. The nurse should assess the amount, color, and odor of the drainage and report any signs of infection, such as purulent drainage, redness, swelling, or pain, to the provider.

Choice C reason: This is the correct finding, because chest petechiae, or small red spots on the chest, are a sign of fat emboli, which are a rare but serious complication of long bone fractures. Fat emboli occur when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing respiratory distress, hypoxia, and pulmonary edema. The nurse should report any signs of fat emboli, such as chest petechiae, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, or confusion, to the provider.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect finding, because muscle spasms in the left leg, or involuntary contractions of the muscles, are not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of pain, inflammation, or nerve injury due to the fracture or the traction. The nurse should administer analgesics and muscle relaxants as prescribed, and provide comfort measures, such as massage, ice, or elevation, to the client.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the best action, because compression stockings can help improve the blood flow and prevent the formation of new clots in the veins of the legs. Compression stockings can also reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by thrombophlebitis.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the blood flow and the clotting process in the affected vein. Cold compresses can also increase the discomfort and numbness of the extremity.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect and dangerous action, because gently massaging the area can dislodge the clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, resulting in a life-threatening complication, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect and misleading statement, because heparin is not prescribed to dissolve the thrombus, but to prevent the growth and extension of the existing clot and the formation of new clots. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting factors in the blood, but does not break down the clot. The body's own enzymes, such as plasmin, are responsible for dissolving the clot.

A. A client who has benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and reports dysuria B. A client who has ulcerative colitis and reports diarrhea C. A client who has emphysema and reports dyspnea D. A client who has esophageal cancer and reports painful swallowing

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A client who has BPH and reports dysuria is not the highest priority, because dysuria is a common symptom of BPH and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should monitor the client's urinary output and provide comfort measures.

Choice B reason: A client who has ulcerative colitis and reports diarrhea is not the highest priority, because diarrhea is a chronic symptom of ulcerative colitis and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status and electrolyte levels and administer medications as prescribed.

Choice C reason: A client who has emphysema and reports dyspnea is the highest priority, because dyspnea is a sign of respiratory distress and can indicate an acute exacerbation of emphysema. The nurse should assess the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory rate and administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.

Choice D reason: A client who has esophageal cancer and reports painful swallowing is not the highest priority, because painful swallowing is a common symptom of esophageal cancer and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should provide the client with soft or liquid foods and administer analgesics as prescribed.

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A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a fractured left femur and is in skeletal traction. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fat emboli to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has thrombophlebitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend for the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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