A nurse is teaching a client who has a fractured femur about fat emboli syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as a manifestation of a fat embolism?
Paresthesia distal to the fracture
Fever
Swollen calf
Petechiae on the chest
The Correct Answer is D
D. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, are a classic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. They typically appear on the upper chest, axilla (armpit), and conjunctiva of the eyes. Petechiae result from the occlusion of small blood vessels by fat globules, leading to microvascular bleeding.
A Paresthesia distal to the fracture site is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Instead, paresthesia may suggest nerve compression or injury related to the fracture itself rather than fat emboli.
B Fever is not a specific manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. While fever can occur with various types of infections or inflammatory conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of fat embolism.
C Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potential complication of lower limb fractures. However, it is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Muscle spasms can occur in response to the hip fracture as the body attempts to protect the injured area. Spasms may cause pain and muscle rigidity in the affected hip.
B. Pallor refers to paleness of the skin. While hip fractures can result in various signs and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bruising, hip pallor specifically is not typically associated with a hip fracture.
C. Leg abduction refers to moving the leg away from the midline of the body. In the case of a hip fracture, the affected leg may be held in adduction (closer to the midline) due to pain and muscle guarding.
D. Leg lengthening is not typically associated with a hip fracture. In fact, a hip fracture can often lead to apparent leg shortening due to displacement or angulation of the fractured bone.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Fractures, crush injuries, or tight casts can lead to compartment syndrome. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, numbness or tingling, and decreased sensation or function of the affected limb.
Increasing edema in the calf is a hallmark manifestation of acute compartment syndrome and indicates a worsening of the condition.
A. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur in response to certain medications used during anesthesia. Edema in the calf is not a manifestation of malignant hyperthermia.
B. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. While pulmonary embolism can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough, edema in the calf is not a typical manifestation of this condition.
C. Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules are released into the bloodstream, often after long bone fractures or orthopedic procedures. Increasing edema in the calf is not a characteristic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
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