A nurse is collecting data from a client who has encephalitis due to West Nile virus. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

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.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect purpose, because raising the bed linens off the client's feet to prevent plantar flexion is not related to the use of an abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is a wedge-shaped pillow that is placed between the client's legs to keep them apart and aligned. Raising the bed linens off the client's feet can be achieved by using a foot cradle or a bed frame.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect purpose, because keeping the client's heels off the bed to prevent pressure ulcers is not related to the use of an abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is a wedge-shaped pillow that is placed between the client's legs to keep them apart and aligned. Keeping the client's heels off the bed can be achieved by using a heel protector or a pillow under the lower legs.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect purpose, because positioning the client off the operative site while in bed is not related to the use of an abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is a wedge-shaped pillow that is placed between the client's legs to keep them apart and aligned. Positioning the client off the operative site can be achieved by using a trochanter roll or a pillow under the hip.

Choice D reason: This is the correct purpose, because preventing dislocation of the hip during position changes or movement is the main reason for using an abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is a wedge-shaped pillow that is placed between the client's legs to keep them apart and