A nurse notes increasing edema in the calf of a client who has multiple fractures of the leg. The nurse should recognize that increasing edema is a manifestation of which of the following complications?
Malignant hypothermia
Pulmonary embolism
Acute compartment syndrome
Fat embolism syndrome
The Correct Answer is C
A. Malignant hypothermia: This is a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia. It doesn't typically manifest with calf edema.
B. Pulmonary embolism: While pulmonary embolism can occur as a complication in some cases, it is characterized by symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and may not directly cause calf edema.
C. Acute compartment syndrome
Increasing edema in the calf of a client with multiple fractures of the leg is a manifestation of acute compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which can lead to reduced blood flow, nerve damage, and tissue hypoxia. The edema and increased pressure can compress blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissue within the compartment, resulting in symptoms such as severe pain, edema, and potential vascular compromise.
D. Fat embolism syndrome: This syndrome can occur in clients with long bone fractures, but it is characterized by respiratory and neurologic symptoms, not isolated calf edema.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Use Echinacea to manage joint pain:
Echinacea is a natural supplement, but its effectiveness in managing joint pain related to osteoarthritis is not well-established. It's important for individuals to consult their healthcare provider before using any supplements, as they may interact with medications or have other adverse effects.
B. Maintain a recommended body weight.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is an important recommendation for managing osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, which can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms. Losing weight, if necessary, or maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis.
C. Apply ice to the joint before exercising:
Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, but it's typically used after exercising or during acute flare-ups, not necessarily before exercising. Heat is often recommended before exercise to warm up the joint and improve flexibility.
D. Reduce the amount of purine in the diet:
This recommendation is more relevant for managing gout, a different type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Purine-rich foods can trigger gout attacks but are not directly related to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily related to wear and tear of the joints over time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Morse Scale:
The Morse Scale, also known as the Morse Fall Scale, is used to assess a patient's risk of falling. It evaluates various factors such as history of falling, secondary diagnosis, ambulatory aids, IV therapy, gait, and mental status. It is primarily focused on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.
B. Braden Scale:
As previously mentioned, the Braden Scale assesses a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers. It takes into account sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. The scale helps healthcare providers determine the level of risk a patient has for developing pressure sores and guides interventions to prevent them.
C. Bristol Scale:
The Bristol Stool Scale is used to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. It is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. This scale is primarily used to assess bowel movements and is unrelated to pressure ulcers.
D. Hendrich II Scale:
The Hendrich II Fall Risk Model is a tool designed to identify patients at risk for falls. It includes factors such as confusion, symptomatic depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, and the use of antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, or non-opioid analgesics. Similar to the Morse Scale, it focuses on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.
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