The nurse is assisting in the care of the client who is on the behavioral health unit.

Exhibits

Select words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence (Separate using commas).

The nurse should plan to

dropdown

and

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The correct answer is choice A: Fat embolism syndrome.

Choice A rationale:

The client with an open fracture to the right femur is at risk for developing Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) FES occurs when fat globules from the bone marrow or other tissues enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic complications. In this case, with an open fracture, there is a higher risk of fat emboli entering the circulation. The clinical manifestations of FES include respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechial rash. These symptoms typically occur within 24-72 hours after the injury, which aligns with the timeline mentioned in the progress report on Day 1 of admission.

Choice B rationale:

Osteomyelitis is less likely to develop within the first 24 hours following a motor vehicle crash. It is an infection of the bone and typically takes more time to manifest. The early concerns in an open fracture involve the risk of infection, but osteomyelitis is not an immediate threat in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Compartment syndrome is a potential concern in orthopedic injuries, but it primarily arises due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, causing reduced blood flow. While it is a valid concern, it is not typically associated with fat embolism syndrome, which is more specific to the release of fat globules into the bloodstream.

Choice D rationale:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a concern in immobile patients or those with significant trauma, but it is not the most immediate concern in this case. DVT usually develops over time and is more associated with prolonged immobilization rather than the early stages of admission.

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the medication error in the provider's progress notes is not the appropriate location for documenting a medication error. Progress notes are typically used to record the client's clinical progress and assessments, not incidents of medication errors.

Choice B rationale:

The controlled substance inventory record is used to track the dispensing and administration of controlled substances in a healthcare facility. Documenting a medication error in this record is not appropriate, as it is not the purpose of this document.

Choice C rationale:

Documenting the medication error in an incident report is the correct action. Incident reports are used to document and track adverse events or errors that occur in healthcare settings. This allows for proper investigation, analysis, and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid similar errors in the future.

Choice D rationale:

The nursing care plan is a document that outlines the client's nursing care needs, goals, and interventions. While it may include information about medication administration, it is not the appropriate place to document a medication error. An incident report is specifically designed for this purpose and ensures that the error is appropriately addressed and investigated.