Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client who sustained a fractured femur in a motor vehicle accident is experiencing fat emboli syndrome?

Petechiae on the chest.

An edematous calf.

Elevated temperature.

Paresthesia distal to the fracture.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason
Petechiae on the chest are a classic sign of fat emboli syndrome (FES). FES is a rare but serious complication that can occur after a long bone fracture, such as a femur fracture. The petechiae result from small fat droplets that travel to the skin's capillaries and cause pinpoint hemorrhages. This symptom is part of the classic triad for FES, which includes respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and a petechial rash.

Choice B Reason
While an edematous calf may be a concern for deep vein thrombosis or other complications following a fracture, it is not a specific indicator of FES. Edema in the calf could be due to various reasons, including local trauma from the fracture itself or immobilization.

Choice C Reason
An elevated temperature can be associated with many post-injury complications, including infection or inflammatory response. However, it is not specific to FES. While patients with FES may present with fever, it is not one of the primary diagnostic criteria.

Choice D Reason
Paresthesia distal to the fracture could indicate nerve damage or compartment syndrome, which are important to assess in a patient with a femur fracture. However, paresthesia is not a specific sign of FES. The neurological symptoms associated with FES are more generalized and often include confusion or altered mental status.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason
Limit setting may be helpful for a client who displays hypervigilance and refuses to attend unit activities, as it can provide clear expectations and help reduce anxiety. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate risk to the safety of others, making limit setting less essential compared to behaviors that could lead to harm.

Choice B Reason
While being flirtatious toward staff members may be inappropriate and require intervention, it is typically addressed through professional boundaries rather than limit setting. Limit setting in this context would involve clarifying acceptable behaviors within the therapeutic relationship.

Choice C Reason
Urging another client to commit violence is a behavior that necessitates immediate limit setting. This behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others and disrupts the therapeutic environment. Limit setting here would involve immediate intervention to prevent harm and to maintain a safe environment for all clients.

Choice D Reason
A client who clings to the nurse and seeks advice on inconsequential matters may benefit from limit setting to encourage independence and appropriate use of staff time. However, this behavior is not as disruptive or dangerous as inciting violence, making it a lower priority for limit setting.

A. Assist the client to turn, having them grasp the side rails. B. Maintain strict bedrest for 48 hours postoperatively. C. Assess the client's pain level and administer pain medication as needed. D. Place the client in the prone position.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Assisting the client to turn by having them grasp the side rails is not recommended immediately following a laminectomy and spinal fusion. This action could place undue stress on the surgical site and potentially disrupt the healing process. Postoperative care typically involves minimizing movement of the spine to prevent complications.

Choice B reason:

Maintaining strict bedrest for 48 hours postoperatively is not a current standard of care following a laminectomy and spinal fusion. Early ambulation, as tolerated, is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Choice C reason:

Assessing the client's pain level and administering pain medication as needed is a critical nursing intervention postoperatively. Effective pain management is essential for promoting patient comfort, facilitating early mobilization, and preventing complications. Pain assessment and management should be tailored to the individual's needs and carried out with regular monitoring.

Choice D reason:

Placing the client in the prone position is not typically advised following a laminectomy and spinal fusion, as it may put pressure on the surgical site and cause discomfort. The preferred position is usually on the back or occasionally on the side with proper support, depending on the surgeon's protocol and the client's comfort.

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Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client who sustained a fractured femur in a motor vehicle accident is experiencing fat emboli syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

For which of the following behaviors would limit setting be most essential? The client:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has arrived in the postoperative unit following a laminectomy and spinal fusion. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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