A nurse is obtaining a weekly weight for a client who has obesity and osteoarthritis and is on a weight management program. The nurse determines that the client gained 1.36 kg (3 lb) in the past week. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect finding, because ecchymosis of the thigh, or bruising, is not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of bleeding or hematoma formation due to the fracture or the traction. The nurse should monitor the size and color of the ecchymosis and report any changes to the provider.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect finding, because serous drainage at the pin site, or clear fluid, is not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of normal healing or infection. The nurse should assess the amount, color, and odor of the drainage and report any signs of infection, such as purulent drainage, redness, swelling, or pain, to the provider.

Choice C reason: This is the correct finding, because chest petechiae, or small red spots on the chest, are a sign of fat emboli, which are a rare but serious complication of long bone fractures. Fat emboli occur when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing respiratory distress, hypoxia, and pulmonary edema. The nurse should report any signs of fat emboli, such as chest petechiae, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, or confusion, to the provider.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect finding, because muscle spasms in the left leg, or involuntary contractions of the muscles, are not a sign of fat emboli, but a sign of pain, inflammation, or nerve injury due to the fracture or the traction. The nurse should administer analgesics and muscle relaxants as prescribed, and provide comfort measures, such as massage, ice, or elevation, to the client.

Choice A reason: This is an important data, but not the first one. The nurse should first assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation, which are the priorities in any emergency situation.

Choice B reason: This is the correct data, because the nurse should first collect the respiratory rate to determine if the client has any signs of airway obstruction, inhalation injury, or respiratory distress, which are life-threatening complications of facial burns.

Choice C reason: This is a relevant data, but not the first one. The nurse should collect the presence of bowel sounds later, after ensuring the client's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable, to assess the client's gastrointestinal function and possible paralytic ileus.

Choice D reason: This is a significant data, but not the first one. The nurse should collect the level of pain later, after ensuring the client's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable, to provide adequate analgesia and comfort measures.