A nurse is performing a shift assessment on an elderly client who is recovering after surgery for a femur fracture. The client reports chest pain. The RN notes an increased heart rate and respiratory rate. The nurse further notes that the client is febrile and hypoxic, coughing and producing large amounts of thick, white sputum. The nurse recognizes this is a medical emergency and calls for assistance. acknowledging that this client is likely demonstrating symptoms of what complication?

Complex regional pain syndrome

Avascular necrosis of bone

Compartment syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. Complex regional pain syndrome presents as chronic, severe pain and sensitivity in a limb, but it is not associated with respiratory symptoms or fever.
B. Avascular necrosis is a gradual condition resulting from loss of blood supply to bone tissue, not an acute emergency with respiratory and systemic signs.
C. Compartment syndrome presents with severe limb pain, pallor, and pulselessness, but does not cause respiratory distress or fever.
D. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious complication often seen after long bone fractures like femur fractures. Symptoms include chest pain, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, hypoxia, and thick white sputum. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. An urge to void is common post-TURP due to bladder irritation from the catheter.
B. A pulse rate of 88/min is within normal limits and not concerning.
C. A mild fever may occur after surgery but should be monitored.
D. Bright red urine and hypotension (BP 80/60) indicate active bleeding and possible hypovolemic shock, which is a serious postoperative complication requiring immediate intervention.

A. Maintain the left arm in a dependent position. B. Teach the client how to cut cuticles C. The cancer has been totally removed, and no follow-up therapy will be required. D. Don't lift more than five (5) pounds with the left hand until released by the HCP

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. The affected arm should be elevated, not kept dependent, to reduce swelling and prevent lymphedema.
B. Clients should be taught NOT to cut cuticles to avoid infections, especially after breast surgery.
C. Follow-up therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy) may still be needed depending on pathology results; clients should be advised to continue regular follow-up.
D. Avoiding lifting heavy objects (more than 5 pounds) with the affected arm until cleared by the healthcare provider helps prevent strain and lymphedema. This is important discharge teaching.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) gland. Which of the following assessments should the nurse view as an indication of a postoperative complication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client has undergone a wedge resection for cancer of the left breast. Which discharge instruction should the nurse teach?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is performing the health history and physical assessment of a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What assessment is most consistent with the clinical presentation of RA?

A client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is preparing for discharge. The nurse knows that the client has understood health education when the client makes what statement?

A client is being weaned from total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and is expected to begin taking solid food today. The ongoing solution rate has been 100mL/hour. The nurse anticipates a change in orders regarding the TPN solution.

A client is concerned she may be at risk for breast cancer because she has several relatives, including her mother, diagnosed with it. Her mother died of breast cancer at age 38. Which of the following tests should the nurse anticipate will be done to assess this client's risk?

The nurse is caring for a client who was started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) 2 days previously. The client complains of blurred vision, dry mouth, and frequent urination. Which is the nurse's priority action?

A client seeking care because of recurrent heartburn and regurgitation is subsequently diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Which of the following should the nurse include in health education?

An adult is postoperative on day 2 following bariatric surgery. The nurse's most recent assessment reveals increasing abdominal pain that the client rates at 8 out of 10, a heart rate of 112 beats per minute, and an oral temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F). What is the nurse's best action?

The nurse instructs the client with a right below-the-knee amputation (BKA) to lie on their stomach for at least 30 minutes a day. The client asks the nurse, "Why must I lie on my stomach?" Which statement is the most appropriate for the nurse?