Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client who sustained a fractured femur in a motor vehicle accident is experiencing fat emboli syndrome?
Petechiae on the chest.
An edematous calf.
Elevated temperature.
Paresthesia distal to the fracture.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason
Petechiae on the chest are a classic sign of fat emboli syndrome (FES). FES is a rare but serious complication that can occur after a long bone fracture, such as a femur fracture. The petechiae result from small fat droplets that travel to the skin's capillaries and cause pinpoint hemorrhages. This symptom is part of the classic triad for FES, which includes respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and a petechial rash.
Choice B Reason
While an edematous calf may be a concern for deep vein thrombosis or other complications following a fracture, it is not a specific indicator of FES. Edema in the calf could be due to various reasons, including local trauma from the fracture itself or immobilization.
Choice C Reason
An elevated temperature can be associated with many post-injury complications, including infection or inflammatory response. However, it is not specific to FES. While patients with FES may present with fever, it is not one of the primary diagnostic criteria.
Choice D Reason
Paresthesia distal to the fracture could indicate nerve damage or compartment syndrome, which are important to assess in a patient with a femur fracture. However, paresthesia is not a specific sign of FES. The neurological symptoms associated with FES are more generalized and often include confusion or altered mental status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Increased urine output is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used primarily to relieve chest pain by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, not to influence urine production.
Choice B Reason
Asking the client if their chest pain has been relieved is the most direct method of evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin. Relief of chest pain indicates that the medication is working as intended, reducing the ischemia that causes angina.
Choice C Reason
While taking the client's blood pressure is important, especially since nitroglycerin can cause hypotension, it is not the primary method for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication in relieving angina. Blood pressure measurements are more of a safety check to monitor for adverse effects.
Choice D Reason
Ambulation and assessing for the absence of dyspnea can be part of an overall evaluation of the client's cardiovascular status, but they are not specific to evaluating the effectiveness of nitroglycerin for angina relief. Dyspnea may be a symptom of heart failure or other conditions, not specifically angina pectoris.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
The continuous nature of the mucosa refers to the uninterrupted lining of the urinary tract, which provides a barrier against pathogens. However, this characteristic is not a significant factor in the increased susceptibility of women to cystitis. Both men and women have a continuous mucosal lining, and it does not account for the gender difference in infection rates.
Choice B Reason
High estrogen levels can influence the tissues of the urinary tract and may affect susceptibility to infections. However, the role of estrogen in the development of cystitis is not as direct or significant as anatomical differences. Estrogen levels vary throughout a woman's life and do not consistently correlate with cystitis risk.
Choice C Reason
Urethral proximity to the rectum is the most significant anatomical factor contributing to a woman's increased susceptibility to cystitis¹⁴. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and its close proximity to the anus allows bacteria from the bowel area to more easily enter the urinary tract and cause infections.
Choice D Reason
Inadequate fluid intake can lead to less frequent urination, which is a risk factor for cystitis because it reduces the natural flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. However, this is a modifiable risk factor and does not inherently explain the higher incidence of cystitis in women compared to men.
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