A patient diagnosed with a fractured left femur complains of chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rash on the chest. What complication should the nurse suspect?
1. fat embolism syndrome
2. deep vein thrombosis
3. compartment syndrome
4. disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Correct Answer: 1
Long bone fractures and other major trauma are the primary risk factors for fat embolism syndrome. When the bone is fractured, pressure within the bone marrow rises and exceeds capillary pressure; as a result, fat globules leave the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. The fat globules lodge in the pulmonary vascular bed or peripheral circulation. Manifestations usually develop within a few hours to a week after injury due to the occlusion of blood supply and the presence of fatty acids. The patient's symptoms do not indicate deep vein thrombosis, compartment syndrome, or DIC.
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An elderly patient with multi-infarct dementia is striking out with her arms and kicking at people who walk past in the hall. Intervention by the nurse should begin by:
a. gently touching the patient's arm. b. saying the patient's name to gain contact. c. asking the patient what she needs. d. approaching from behind to reassure her.
The nurse is preparing to administer a topical anesthetic for a 10- year-old girl with a chin laceration. The nurse would expect to apply which of the following as ordered in preparation for sutures?
A) TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine, cocaine) B) Iontophoretic lidocaine C) EMLA D) Vapocoolant spray
The nurse educator is teaching a group of nursing students about factors that increase the risk for premature birth. Which statements are appropriate for the educator to include? Select all that apply
A) "Married women are at an increased risk for giving birth to a premature infant." B) "Single women are at an increased risk for giving birth to a premature infant." C) "Lesbians have an increased risk for premature labor." D) "Adolescent clients are at an increased risk for giving birth to a premature infant." E) "Pregnancy after the age of 33 years increases the risk for premature labor."
The nurse is preparing information to be included in a community educational presentation regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The decision is made to include the following: Select all that apply
1. GERD is more prevalent in adults over the age of 50. 2. A substantial number of people self-medicate with OTC medications. 3. Control of the symptoms is dependent on a change of diet. 4. A reoccurring sore throat may be a symptom of the disease. 5. Vomiting is a common sign of the disease. Correct