A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute ankle sprain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

A. Mild erythema (redness) at the pin sites can be a normal finding due to the body's response to the presence of foreign objects. It may not necessarily indicate infection.

B. Serosanguineous drainage (a mixture of clear and bloody fluid) can also be a normal finding initially after the insertion of pins. It may not necessarily indicate infection.

C. Fever is a systemic response to infection. In a client with skeletal traction, fever can be an indication of an infection at the pin sites or a more systemic infection related to the traction device.

D. Warmth around the pin sites can be a normal finding due to the inflammatory response that occurs after pin insertion. It may not necessarily indicate infection.

A. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant loss of blood volume. While it can occur due to severe trauma, the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain are more indicative of a potential respiratory issue, making Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) a higher concern in this case.

B. Correct. Given the client's recent multiple long bone fractures and the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, the nurse should be concerned about the possibility of fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES can occur as a result of long bone fractures, particularly those involving the femur, pelvis, or tibia. Fat emboli can enter thebloodstream and potentially obstruct blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and altered mental status.

C. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition involving the formation of blood clots in the veins, which can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). While this is a consideration for clients with immobilization due to fractures, it is not the primary concern in this case based on the presenting symptoms.

D. Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue damage. While it can occur after fractures, it typically presents with symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and tense muscles, rather than shortness of breath and chest pain.