A nurse is teaching a client who has a pelvic fracture about manifestations of fat embolism syndrome. The nurse should include which of the following findings as an early manifestation?

A. Checking capillary refill distal to the cast helps assess peripheral circulation and nerve function. A decrease in capillary refill time or other signs of compromised circulation (such as coolness, pallor, or numbness) could indicate a complication like compartment syndrome, which requires immediate intervention.

B. Performing range of motion exercises is important for promoting joint mobility and preventing stiffness, but it is not the priority immediately after the cast application.

C. Educating the client about cast care is important for promoting healing and preventing complications, but it is not the priority immediately after the cast application.

D. Managing pain is important for the client's comfort and well-being, but it is not the priority immediately after the cast application.

D. Difficulty or inability to abduct (raise out to the side) the arm at the shoulder is a classic finding in rotator cuff injuries, particularly in cases of significant tears or severe inflammation. This limitation in shoulder movement can be due to pain, weakness, or mechanical impingement caused by the injured rotator cuff.

A. The drop arm test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for rotator cuff tears. In a negative drop arm test, the patient is able to slowly lower their arm from an abducted position (out to the side) to their side without significant pain or weakness. A negative test suggests that there may not be a complete tear of the rotator cuff.

B. Alteration in the contour of the shoulder joint could indicate various shoulder pathologies, including rotator cuff injuries. However, it is a nonspecific finding and can occur with other shoulder conditions as well.

C. Tinel's sign is a test used to assess for nerve compression or irritation. While it can be positive in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, it is not typically associated with rotator cuff injuries.