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 B
Explanation
A. Morse Scale:
The Morse Scale, also known as the Morse Fall Scale, is used to assess a patient's risk of falling. It evaluates various factors such as history of falling, secondary diagnosis, ambulatory aids, IV therapy, gait, and mental status. It is primarily focused on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.
B. Braden Scale:
As previously mentioned, the Braden Scale assesses a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers. It takes into account sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. The scale helps healthcare providers determine the level of risk a patient has for developing pressure sores and guides interventions to prevent them.
C. Bristol Scale:
The Bristol Stool Scale is used to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. It is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. This scale is primarily used to assess bowel movements and is unrelated to pressure ulcers.
D. Hendrich II Scale:
The Hendrich II Fall Risk Model is a tool designed to identify patients at risk for falls. It includes factors such as confusion, symptomatic depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, and the use of antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, or non-opioid analgesics. Similar to the Morse Scale, it focuses on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The longer the joint is displaced, the more difficult it is to get it back in place:
This statement is correct. Prompt reduction of a dislocated joint is important because the longer the joint remains out of place, the more difficult it becomes to realign it. Delayed reduction can lead to complications and makes the process more challenging for healthcare providers.
B. Avascular necrosis may develop at the site if it is not promptly resolved:
Avascular necrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. While it is a potential complication of hip dislocation, it is not the immediate rationale for considering hip dislocation a medical emergency. The urgency primarily lies in the difficulty of reducing the dislocation and preventing further complications.
C. The client's pain will increase until the joint is realigned:
This statement is partially correct. While it is true that dislocated joints are extremely painful, the urgency in reducing the dislocation is not solely based on pain management. It is essential to prevent complications, restore joint function, and minimize long-term damage to the affected area.
D. Dislocation can become permanent if the process of bone remodeling begins:
This statement is accurate. If a dislocated joint is not promptly reduced, the surrounding tissues may undergo changes, and the process of bone remodeling can begin. This can lead to the dislocation becoming more difficult or even impossible to reduce, resulting in a permanent dislocation. Early intervention is essential to prevent this outcome.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today