Which finding is most concerning in a person with a left femur fracture?
Inability to bear weight on the left leg.
Redness of the left thigh.
Absent pulses in the left lower leg.
Edema around the injury site.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The inability to bear weight is a standard, expected finding following a long bone fracture such as a femur break. While it confirms the functional impairment of the limb, it does not represent an immediate threat to the viability of the leg or the life of the patient. In clinical prioritization, expected symptoms of a known injury are less concerning than signs of secondary neurovascular compromise or arterial obstruction that could lead to permanent tissue death.
Choice B rationale
Redness or erythema around a fracture site is a common inflammatory response. When a bone breaks, local soft tissue trauma and bleeding occur, triggering a cascade of inflammatory mediators that increase blood flow to the area. While this indicates inflammation, it is not as critical as a loss of perfusion. Redness is an anticipated part of the healing and injury process and does not typically signify an immediate limb-threatening emergency in the acute trauma phase.
Choice C rationale
Absent pulses in the distal extremity indicate a total lack of arterial perfusion, which is a surgical emergency. In a femur fracture, the sharp bone fragments can lacerate or compress the femoral or popliteal arteries. Without blood flow, tissue ischemia and necrosis can occur within hours. This finding is the most concerning because it suggests compartment syndrome or vascular injury, requiring immediate intervention to prevent amputation or permanent loss of function in the left leg.
Choice D rationale
Edema is a routine physiological consequence of a bone fracture due to the rupture of local blood vessels and the shift of fluid into the interstitial space. While significant swelling can eventually contribute to compartment syndrome, edema by itself is an expected finding at the injury site. It must be monitored, but it does not carry the same immediate gravity as the complete loss of distal pulses, which confirms that blood is not reaching the foot.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Choosing this option confirms that the individual has complied with the required identity verification protocol using a valid photo ID. In a professional or educational setting, verification ensures the integrity of the assessment process and confirms the identity of the participant. This action is a standard procedural requirement for high-stakes testing to maintain security and prevent academic or professional dishonesty, satisfying the specific instructions provided by the proctoring or assessment system.
Choice B rationale
Acknowledging a choice not to follow assessment instructions suggests a knowing violation of the established code of conduct. Such an action usually results in disciplinary measures, a failing grade, or the invalidation of the exam results. In a clinical or professional environment, following standardized protocols is essential for accountability. This choice would be counterproductive to the goal of completing the assessment and would trigger administrative review due to the non-compliance.
Choice C rationale
Stating that verification will be completed at the end of the examination period is generally not an acceptable alternative to immediate verification. Most secure testing platforms require identity confirmation before the exam begins to ensure the person taking the test is the authorized individual. Procrastinating this step can lead to technical lockouts or the suspicion of misconduct, as the identity must be established before the substantive work of the assessment is performed.
Choice D rationale
Reporting the lack of a valid photo identification card indicates an inability to meet the baseline requirements for taking a proctored examination. Without proper identification, the system cannot verify the participant's identity, which usually prevents the individual from proceeding with the test. This choice serves as a notification of a barrier to compliance but does not satisfy the security requirements necessary to maintain the validity and reliability of the assessment environment.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Joint contractures are a common complication of prolonged immobility. When joints are not moved through their full range of motion, the connective tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, begin to shorten and harden. This permanent shortening leads to a loss of joint mobility and can result in fixed deformities. Regular passive and active range of motion exercises are necessary to maintain tissue elasticity and prevent the functional limitations associated with these debilitating contracture formations.
Choice B rationale
Pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers, occur when prolonged pressure on bony prominences compromises blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. This localized ischemia leads to tissue hypoxia and eventual necrosis. Patients who are immobile cannot shift their weight to relieve this pressure. Consistent turning schedules every two hours and the use of pressure-relieving devices are critical interventions to prevent the breakdown of skin integrity and the development of these painful, infection-prone wounds.
Choice C rationale
Polyuria is not a result of immobility. Immobility is more likely to cause urinary stasis because the lack of gravity-assisted drainage from the kidneys to the bladder allows urine to pool in the renal pelvis. This stasis increases the risk of urinary tract infections and the formation of renal calculi. Polyuria is typically associated with endocrine disorders like diabetes or the use of diuretic medications rather than a lack of physical movement or activity.
Choice D rationale
Increased calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, can result from prolonged immobility because the lack of weight-bearing activity leads to bone demineralization. When bones do not experience the stress of movement and gravity, osteoclast activity increases, causing calcium to be released from the bone matrix into the bloodstream. This can lead to serum calcium levels rising above the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL, potentially causing kidney stones and further weakening the skeleton.
Choice E rationale
Diarrhea is not a standard complication of immobility. In fact, the opposite is true; immobility significantly increases the risk of constipation. Reduced physical activity slows down gastrointestinal motility and peristalsis. Furthermore, being in a recumbent position makes it more difficult for patients to have effective bowel movements. This slowing of the digestive tract often leads to fecal impaction or chronic constipation rather than the frequent, loose stools characterized by diarrhea.
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