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 B
Explanation
B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is often used in low doses to treat neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy. It can help relieve burning, shooting, or stabbing pain often associated with this condition.
A. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for relieving pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. However, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for neuropathic pain.
C. Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID primarily used for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief in conditions like arthritis. While it may help with inflammation-associated pain, it is not specifically indicated for neuropathic pain.
D. While it may provide some relief, opioids are generally not recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain due to their potential for dependence, tolerance, and other side effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation to the muscles and nerves within that compartment. Fractures, especially those accompanied by significant soft tissue injury or bleeding, can lead to compartment syndrome.
A Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can occur as a complication of fractures, particularly if the fracture is open (the bone breaks through the skin). This occurs in the later courses of an infection.
C Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules from fractured bones enter the bloodstream and become lodged in small blood vessels in organs such as the lungs, brain, and skin. Increasing edema is not an early sign of fat embolism.
D Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. While fractures, especially long bone fractures, can increase the risk of developing blood clots, increasing edema in the fractured limb is not typically an early sign of pulmonary embolism.
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