A boy who has fractured his forearm is unable to extend his fingers. The nurse knows that this
may indicate damage to the epiphyseal plate.
is normal following this type of injury.
may indicate compartment syndrome.
may indicate fat embolism.
The Correct Answer is C
Compartment syndrome is a condition that can occur following an injury, such as a fracture, where there is increased pressure within a closed space (compartment) in the body. In the case of a forearm fracture, swelling and increased pressure within the compartment can lead to compression of the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and decreased function of the affected muscles.
The inability to extend the fingers suggests impairment of the extensor muscles, which are innervated by the radial nerve. If the radial nerve is compressed or injured due to compartment syndrome, it can result in a loss of function in the muscles it innervates, leading to the inability to extend the fingers.
damage to the epiphyseal plate in (option A) is incorrect because it, is not related to the inability to extend the fingers. The epiphyseal plate is the growth plate in long bones, and damage to it would typically affect bone growth rather than finger extension.
, stating that it is normal following this type of injury in (option B), is incorrect. Inability to extend the fingers is not a normal or expected finding after a forearm fracture. It suggests a potential complication or underlying issue.
fat embolism in (option D) is incorrect because it, is unlikely to cause an inability to extend the fingers. Fat embolism occurs when fat globules from a broken bone enter the bloodstream and can lead to respiratory and neurological symptoms, but it would not specifically cause an isolated loss of finger extension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The statement that best describes Tanner staging is option B. Tanner staging is a system used
to classify and assess the progression of puberty based on the development of both primary
and secondary sexual characteristics. It provides a framework for evaluating the physical
changes that occur during puberty, such as breast development in females, testicular
enlargement in males, pubic hair growth, and other secondary sexual characteristics. The
Tanner staging system includes several stages that represent the sequential progression of
puberty in individuals.
staging of puberty based on the initiation of primary sexual characteristics in (option A) is not
correct because it, does not encompass the full scope of Tanner staging, as it does not
consider the progression of secondary sexual characteristics.
staging of puberty based on the initiation of menarche (the onset of menstruation) and
nocturnal emissions, in (option C) is not correct. While menarche and nocturnal emissions are
significant events that occur during puberty, they do not encompass the entire Tanner staging
system, which involves a broader range of physical changes.
predictable stages of puberty based on chronologic age, in (option D) is not correct. Tanner
staging is based on the progression of physical changes and sexual maturation, rather than
being solely determined by chronological age. Puberty can vary in onset and duration among
individuals, making chronological age an unreliable indicator of pubertal development.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hydrocephalus refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation ofcerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. In infants, hydrocephalus cancause the head to enlarge rapidly as a result of the increased pressure exerted by theaccumulatingfluid.Thisisknownas"rapidheadgrowth."Theincreasedintracranialpressurecanlead to irritabilityand poorappetite in infants.
The distended scalp veins are another common sign of hydrocephalus. As the fluidaccumulates,itputs pressureon thebloodvessels inthe brain,causingtheveinsin thescalptobecome morevisible and distended.
Cerebral palsy in (option A) is incorrect because is a neurological disorder that affects bodymovementandmusclecoordination,butitdoesnottypicallypresentwithrapid headgrowthordistended scalp veins.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in (option B) is incorrect becauseitisacondition characterized byexcessivesecretionofantidiuretichormone,leadingtofluidimbalance, but it does not usually cause rapid head growth or distended scalp veins. Reye'ssyndrome (D) is a rare condition that primarily affects the liver and brain, and it does nottypicallypresent with rapid headgrowthor distended scalp veins.
Therefore, based on the signs described, hydrocephalus (C) is the most likely disorder in thiscase.Itisimportantto seekmedicalattentionpromptlyforaproperdiagnosisand appropriatemanagementofhydrocephalus in infants.
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