A nurse is teaching a client who has a fractured femur about fat emboli syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as a manifestation of a fat embolism?
Paresthesia distal to the fracture
Fever
Swollen calf
Petechiae on the chest
The Correct Answer is D
D. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, are a classic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. They typically appear on the upper chest, axilla (armpit), and conjunctiva of the eyes. Petechiae result from the occlusion of small blood vessels by fat globules, leading to microvascular bleeding.
A Paresthesia distal to the fracture site is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Instead, paresthesia may suggest nerve compression or injury related to the fracture itself rather than fat emboli.
B Fever is not a specific manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. While fever can occur with various types of infections or inflammatory conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of fat embolism.
C Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potential complication of lower limb fractures. However, it is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vital sign monitoring every 15 minutes is a standard practice in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to closely monitor the patient's hemodynamic status and response to anesthesia. However, in this scenario, the patient's blood pressure (BP) and other vital signs are within an acceptable range, and there are no signs of instability.
B. The patient's vital signs, including BP, pulse rate, and skin condition, are within normal limits. There are no indications of hemodynamic instability or adverse events.
C. There is no indication to increase the postoperative intravenous (IV) fluid rate based solely on the patient's stable vital signs and absence of signs of dehydration or hypovolemia. Increasing IV fluids without clinical indication may lead to fluid overload and potential complications.
D. The patient's oxygen saturation level is not provided in the scenario, and there are no signs or symptoms of respiratory distress or hypoxemia. Therefore, administering oxygen therapy at 100% per mask is not warranted at this time.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Tachypnea is a classic early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Fat emboli can travel to the lungs and obstruct blood flow, leading to respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Tachypnea is the body's response to hypoxemia, as it attempts to increase oxygen intake by breathing more rapidly.
A. Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but it is not typically an early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
B. tachycardia is more commonly seen due to the body's response to decreased oxygen levels and increased demand on the cardiovascular system.
C. Hypertension is not typically associated with fat embolism syndrome. Instead, hypotension can occur due to decreased cardiac output and systemic vasodilation in severe cases of fat embolism syndrome.
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