Which of the following is the priority intervention for preventing a fat embolism in a client experiencing an open femur fracture?

IV antibiotics

Encouraging the patient not to bend at the hip

Early immobilization of the fractured leg

Irrigating the open wound with sterile Normal Saline

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) IV antibiotics: Administering IV antibiotics is important to prevent infection, particularly in open fractures, but it does not directly address the prevention of fat embolism. Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat droplets are released into the bloodstream, typically from bone marrow after a fracture, and antibiotics have no role in preventing this specific complication. Antibiotics would be more relevant for preventing infection from the open wound, not for managing fat embolism risk.

B) Encouraging the patient not to bend at the hip: While avoiding unnecessary movement or bending at the hip may help prevent further injury, it does not specifically address the prevention of fat embolism. Fat embolism is primarily a concern due to the fracture itself and the subsequent release of fat from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. Restricting hip movement alone is not a preventive strategy for this condition.

C) Early immobilization of the fractured leg: The most effective intervention for preventing fat embolism is early immobilization of the fractured leg. Immobilization stabilizes the bone, preventing the release of fat droplets from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, which is the primary mechanism behind fat embolism. Early stabilization of the fracture helps minimize this risk, making this the priority action in the immediate care of a client with an open femur fracture.

D) Irrigating the open wound with sterile Normal Saline: While wound irrigation is essential for preventing infection and is part of the standard care for an open fracture, it does not directly prevent fat embolism. The risk of fat embolism arises from the fracture itself, and the priority in this case is stabilization of the bone to prevent the release of fat into circulation. Irrigating the wound helps with infection control, but it is not the most critical step for fat embolism prevention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Apply an ice pack for pain:
While ice might help with pain and swelling in some cases, the client’s symptoms suggest a serious circulation problem, possibly compartment syndrome or vascular injury. These symptoms indicate the need for immediate intervention to restore blood flow, not just pain relief.

B) Loosen any constricting bandages or braces:
The client’s symptoms are highly suggestive of impaired circulation, which could be caused by compartment syndrome) or a vascular injury. Loosening any constricting bandages or braces is crucial to restoring circulation to the affected limb. Immediate action to relieve pressure is necessary to prevent permanent damage.

C) Document and continue to monitor:
Documenting and continuing to monitor without immediate action is inappropriate. The client’s symptoms represent a potential emergency, and delaying intervention could lead to irreversible damage to the limb. Immediate action is required to prevent complications like tissue necrosis or loss of limb function.

D) Elevate the extremity:
Elevating the extremity is not appropriate in this situation, as it may worsen circulation to the affected limb. Elevation could reduce venous return, further compromising blood flow to the area. Instead, immediate action to relieve pressure and improve circulation is the priority.

Correct Answer is ["50"]

Explanation

Given:

Desired dose: Phenytoin 250 mg

Available concentration: Phenytoin oral solution 25 mg/5 mL

To find:

Volume to administer per dose (in mL)

Step 1: Set up the proportion

We can use the following proportion to solve the problem:

(Desired dose) / (Available concentration) = Volume to administer

Step 2: Substitute the values

Plugging in the given values, we get:

(250 mg) / (25 mg/5 mL) = Volume to administer

Step 3: Simplify

To simplify, we can invert the denominator and multiply:

(250 mg) x (5 mL / 25 mg) = Volume to administer

The "mg" units cancel out, leaving us with:

(250 x 5 mL) / 25 = Volume to administer

Step 4: Calculate

Performing the multiplication and division, we get:

1250 mL / 25 = Volume to administer

50 mL = Volume to administer

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Which of the following is the priority intervention for preventing a fat embolism in a client experiencing an open femur fracture?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["50"]

Explanation

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