A nurse notes increasing edema in the calf of a client who has multiple fractures of the leg. The nurse should recognize that increasing edema is a manifestation of which of the following complications?
Malignant hypothermia
Pulmonary embolism
Acute compartment syndrome
Fat embolism syndrome
The Correct Answer is C
A. Malignant hypothermia: This is a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia. It doesn't typically manifest with calf edema.
B. Pulmonary embolism: While pulmonary embolism can occur as a complication in some cases, it is characterized by symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and may not directly cause calf edema.
C. Acute compartment syndrome
Increasing edema in the calf of a client with multiple fractures of the leg is a manifestation of acute compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which can lead to reduced blood flow, nerve damage, and tissue hypoxia. The edema and increased pressure can compress blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissue within the compartment, resulting in symptoms such as severe pain, edema, and potential vascular compromise.
D. Fat embolism syndrome: This syndrome can occur in clients with long bone fractures, but it is characterized by respiratory and neurologic symptoms, not isolated calf edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Pyelonephritis increases a person's risk for kidney damage." - Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the renal parenchyma and renal pelvis, typically caused by the ascent of bacteria from the lower urinary tract into the kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, including scarring of the renal tissue and impaired kidney function.
B. "Pyelonephritis is an infection of the lower urinary tract." - This statement is incorrect. Pyelonephritis specifically involves the upper urinary tract, affecting the kidneys. In contrast, infections of the lower urinary tract (such as cystitis) affect the bladder and urethra.
C. "Pyelonephritis often causes no symptoms in affected clients." - This statement is incorrect. Pyelonephritis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, painful urination (dysuria), and frequent urination. Clients with pyelonephritis usually experience noticeable symptoms.
D. "Pyelonephritis is most often caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus." - This statement is incorrect. While Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis is more commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often ascend from the lower urinary tract into the kidneys.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. McBurney's point on the abdomen: McBurney's point is a location in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen that is significant in the assessment for appendicitis. It is not relevant to the assessment of pyelonephritis, which is a kidney infection.
B. Psoas sign at the knee: The psoas sign is a test for appendicitis, not pyelonephritis. It involves the patient lying on their back and lifting their right leg against resistance. If this movement causes pain in the lower right abdomen, it could indicate irritation of the psoas muscle due to an inflamed appendix.
C. Rovsing's Sign on the abdomen: Rovsing's sign is also a test for appendicitis. It involves palpating the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and observing if it causes pain in the right lower quadrant. The presence of pain in the right lower quadrant during palpation of the left lower quadrant can indicate appendicitis. This sign is not specific to pyelonephritis.
D. Costovertebral angle (CVA) on the back: The CVA is located on the back at the angle formed by the 12th rib and the spine. Percussion of the CVA is a common technique used to assess for kidney tenderness. In the case of acute pyelonephritis, infection and inflammation of the kidneys can cause tenderness and pain in the CVA area. Therefore, this area is assessed for pain related to kidney infections like pyelonephritis.
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