A client with a new right leg cast is complaining of increasing pain in that injured extremity. The nurse has administered analgesics and elevated the limb. Thirty minutes after administering the analgesics, the client states the pain is unrelieved. The nurse should recognize the warning signs of what complication?
Fat embolism
Subcutaneous emphysema
Disuse syndrome
Compartment syndrome
None of the above
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Fat embolism is not a likely complication of a leg cast, but a possible complication of a long bone fracture or a joint replacement surgery. It refers to the obstruction of the blood vessels by fat globules that are released from the bone marrow or adipose tissue. It can cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, or skin petechiae.
Choice B reason: Subcutaneous emphysema is not a common complication of a leg cast, but a rare complication of a chest trauma or a lung disease. It refers to the presence of air or gas in the subcutaneous tissue, which can cause swelling, crepitus, or pain in the affected area.
Choice C reason: Disuse syndrome is not an acute complication of a leg cast, but a chronic complication of prolonged immobility or inactivity. It refers to the deterioration of the body systems due to the lack of physical stimulation. It can cause muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, osteoporosis, or metabolic changes.
Choice D reason: Compartment syndrome is the most likely complication of a leg cast, as it indicates the increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg due to the swelling, bleeding, or inflammation. It can cause severe pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, or pulselessness of the affected limb. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent tissue necrosis or limb loss.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the complication of a leg cast.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Choice A reason: Atopic dermatitis is not a likely explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, scaling, and dryness of the skin, usually on the face, neck, and flexural areas.
Choice B reason: Cellulitis is a possible explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that causes warmth, redness, swelling, and pain of the affected area. However, it is not the most likely explanation, as it usually occurs as a result of a break in the skin, such as a wound, insect bite, or ulcer, which is not mentioned in the scenario.
Choice C reason: Seborrheic keratosis is not a relevant explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a benign skin growth that causes brown, black, or tan lesions that have a waxy or scaly appearance, usually on the face, chest, or back.
Choice D reason: Pemphigus is not a plausible explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes, usually on the trunk, scalp, or mouth.
Choice E reason: Lymphedema is the most likely explanation for the assessment findings, as it is a condition that causes swelling of the arm due to impaired lymphatic drainage after mastectomy surgery. It can also cause warmth, redness, and tenderness of the affected limb.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pain management is an important goal for a client with osteoarthritis, but it is not the only one. The question asks for what goals the nurse should include, not what is the most essential or urgent goal.
Choice B reason: Improvement of joint mobility is a correct goal for a client with osteoarthritis, as it helps to prevent stiffness, contractures, and deformities of the affected joints. It also improves the client's function, quality of life, and independence.
Choice C reason: Client will recover from osteoarthritis within 6 months is not a realistic or attainable goal, as osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive condition that has no cure. The nurse should focus on managing the symptoms and preventing complications, not on curing the disease.
Choice D reason: Weight loss promotion is a relevant goal for a client with osteoarthritis, especially if the client is obese, as it helps to reduce the stress and pressure on the weight-bearing joints. However, it is not a specific or measurable goal, as it does not indicate how much weight the client should lose or how the nurse will monitor the progress.
Choice E reason: The client will deny symptoms of osteoarthritis is not a desirable or appropriate goal, as it implies that the client is not honest or aware of their condition. The nurse should encourage the client to report any symptoms or changes in their joints, as it helps to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust the plan of care accordingly.
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