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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While gargling with warm saline can provide symptomatic relief for a sore throat, it does not address the underlying bacterial infection. Therefore, it is not the priority action once a diagnosis of group A streptococcus has been confirmed.
Choice B reason:
Identifying close contacts is important for public health tracking and potentially preventing the spread of the infection. However, the immediate priority for the client is the initiation of treatment to address the infection.
Choice C reason:
Taking antipyretics can help manage fever and provide comfort to the client. While managing symptoms is important, it is secondary to initiating antibiotic therapy, which addresses the cause of the symptoms.
Choice D reason:
The priority action is to notify the client to return to the clinic for initiation of antibiotic therapy. Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Prompt initiation of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate, which is commonly prescribed for Paget's disease of the bone. Bisphosphonates help regulate bone growth and can be a lifelong medication for managing this condition. They work by inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue, which helps to normalize the bone remodeling process.
Choice B reason:
Colchicine is used to treat gout and not typically used for Paget's disease. It works by reducing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals but does not affect the bone remodeling process that is characteristic of Paget's disease.
Choice C reason:
Allopurinol is also used to treat gout by decreasing uric acid production in the body. Like colchicine, it is not used to treat Paget's disease because it does not address the abnormal bone metabolism associated with the condition.
Choice D reason:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in various conditions. While it may be used in some cases to manage pain and inflammation associated with Paget's disease, it is not a primary treatment for the disease itself and does not regulate bone growth like bisphosphonates do.
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