A nurse is caring for an older adult client who had a femoral head fracture 24 hours ago and is in skin traction. The client reports shortness of breath and dyspnea. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following complications?
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
Airway obstruction
Fat embolism
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Pneumothorax, a collapsed lung, can indeed cause shortness of breath and dyspnea. However, it is typically associated with a sudden onset of these symptoms following a chest injury or spontaneously in the case of a ruptured air blister. In the context of a femoral head fracture, pneumothorax is less likely unless there was additional trauma to the chest area.
Choice B reason:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that leads to inflammation of the air sacs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. Symptoms include cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. While pneumonia could cause dyspnea, it usually develops due to an infectious process rather than directly from a femoral head fracture.
Choice C reason:
Airway obstruction involves a blockage that prevents air from passing freely to the lungs. It can be caused by foreign objects, swelling due to allergic reactions, or other medical conditions. The symptoms of airway obstruction include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and potential changes in skin color. However, airway obstruction is not commonly a direct complication of a femoral head fracture.
Choice D reason:
Fat embolism syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and lodge within the pulmonary vasculature, leading to respiratory distress. It is a known complication following long bone fractures, such as the femur, and presents with symptoms like shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and neurological manifestations. Given the recent femoral head fracture and the symptoms reported, fat embolism syndrome is the most likely diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is misleading. While many herbal therapies are generally considered safe, they can have side effects and interact with other medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal therapy.
Choice B reason:
This statement is accurate. Many herbal products have not been subjected to rigorous long-term testing that is required for conventional medications. Therefore, their long-term safety and efficacy profiles are not always well-established.
Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Some herbal therapies have been found to be beneficial in reducing menopausal discomfort, such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Choice D reason:
This statement is not advisable without further assessment. While some herbal therapies may help with menopausal symptoms, it is important for the client to discuss with a healthcare provider to consider personal health history, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Effective hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A, as the virus can be spread through close personal contact and by eating food or drinking water handled by someone who is infected¹. Handwashing with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food is crucial.
Choice B reason: While avoiding raw foods can help prevent the transmission of various foodborne illnesses, hepatitis A is not commonly associated with raw foods unless they are contaminated during handling after cooking. However, it is still a good practice to avoid raw or undercooked foods in areas where hepatitis A is common.
Choice C reason:
Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not through sexual contact. However, barrier protection can reduce the risk of transmission for many other infections, including other types of viral hepatitis that are sexually transmitted.
Choice D reason:
Eating at fast food restaurants is not inherently risky for hepatitis A transmission unless the food or water is contaminated. It is more important to ensure that all food is properly handled and cooked, regardless of the dining establishment.
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