A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation to repair a fracture of the femur. Which of the following assessment findings is an early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome (FES)?
Headache
Dyspnea
Red-brown petechiae
Altered mental status
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Headache can be associated with FES; however, it is not typically considered an early sign. It may occur as a part of the broader spectrum of symptoms.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is one of the earliest signs of FES. Patients may experience shortness of breath due to fat globules obstructing pulmonary vessels.
Choice C reason: Red-brown petechiae, which are small, pinpoint hemorrhages, can appear on the skin and are a classic sign of FES, often found in the axillary region or on the chest.
Choice D reason: Altered mental status, including confusion and drowsiness, can occur early in FES due to fat emboli traveling to the cerebral circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eating foods at room temperature can help reduce nausea because strong odors from hot foods can increase the feeling of nausea.
Choice B reason: Increasing unsaturated fats is not specifically related to managing nausea and may not be beneficial in this context.
Choice C reason: Drinking more liquids with meals can sometimes increase nausea; it's often recommended to drink fluids between meals instead.
Choice D reason: Eating smaller meals can help manage nausea because large meals can overwhelm the digestive system when it's sensitive due to treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Painless, raised purple nodules on the hard palate are not typically indicative of squamous cell carcinoma.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. A small macule with a yellow-brown scale does not describe squamous cell carcinoma, which often presents as a firm nodule with a scaly crust.
Choice C reason: This is the correct choice. Squamous cell carcinoma can present as a firm nodule with a hard, scaly crust on the skin.
Choice D reason: Yellow white patches of growth on the tongue are more indicative of conditions such as oral leukoplakia, not squamous cell carcinoma.
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