Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple long bone fractures caused by a motor-vehicle crash that happened 24 hr ago. The client tells the nurse he is short of breath and experiencing chest pain. The nurse should assess the client further for which of the following potential complications?
A. Hypovolemic shock
Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant loss of blood volume. While it can occur due to severe trauma, the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain are more indicative of a potential respiratory issue, making Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) a higher concern in this case.
B. Fat embolism syndrome
Correct. Given the client's recent multiple long bone fractures and the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, the nurse should be concerned about the possibility of fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES can occur as a result of long bone fractures, particularly those involving the femur, pelvis, or tibia. Fat emboli can enter the bloodstream and potentially obstruct blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and altered mental status.
C. Venous thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition involving the formation of blood clots in the veins, which can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). While this is a consideration for clients with immobilization due to fractures, it is not the primary concern in this case based on the presenting symptoms.
D. Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue damage. While it can occur after fractures, it typically presents with symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and tense muscles, rather than shortness of breath and chest pain.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 6. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant loss of blood volume. While it can occur due to severe trauma, the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain are more indicative of a potential respiratory issue, making Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) a higher concern in this case.
B. Correct. Given the client's recent multiple long bone fractures and the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, the nurse should be concerned about the possibility of fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES can occur as a result of long bone fractures, particularly those involving the femur, pelvis, or tibia. Fat emboli can enter the bloodstream and potentially obstruct blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and altered mental status.
C. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition involving the formation of blood clots in the veins, which can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). While this is a consideration for clients with immobilization due to fractures, it is not the primary concern in this case based on the presenting symptoms.
D. Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue damage. While it can occur after fractures, it typically presents with symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and tense muscles, rather than shortness of breath and chest pain.
Similar Questions
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the difference between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Drying time is prolonged with a synthetic cast.
This statement is incorrect. Drying time is actually shorter with a synthetic cast compared to a plaster cast. Synthetic casts use a chemical reaction for hardening, which typically sets faster than the drying process of plaster.
B. A synthetic cast is weighs less.
Correct. A synthetic cast is generally lighter in weight compared to a plaster cast. This can be more comfortable for the patient and may provide better mobility.
C. A plaster cast requires expensive equipment for application.
This statement is incorrect. Plaster casts do not necessarily require expensive equipment for application. Both types of casts require appropriate materials and training for application, but cost can vary based on factors like the type of material and the specific clinical setting.
D. A synthetic case immobilizes bone fractures more effectively.
This statement is incorrect. Both plaster and synthetic casts are effective for immobilizing bone fractures when applied correctly. The choice between the two often depends on factors such as the type of fracture, patient comfort, and clinician preference.
Full Explanation
A. This statement is incorrect. Drying time is actually shorter with a synthetic cast compared to a plaster cast. Synthetic casts use a chemical reaction for hardening, which typically sets faster than the drying process of plaster.
B. Correct. A synthetic cast is generally lighter in weight compared to a plaster cast. This can be more comfortable for the patient and may provide better mobility.
C. This statement is incorrect. Plaster casts do not necessarily require expensive equipment for application. Both types of casts require appropriate materials and training for application, but cost can vary based on factors like the type of material and the specific clinical setting.
D. This statement is incorrect. Both plaster and synthetic casts are effective for immobilizing bone fractures when applied correctly. The choice between the two often depends on factors such as the type of fracture, patient comfort, and clinician preference.
A nurse is teaching a client at high risk for osteoporosis about dietary measures she can take to increase her calcium level. Which of the following foods should the nurse advise the client to increase in her diet?
A. Cabbage
Cabbage is not a significant source of calcium.
B. Potatoes
Potatoes are not a significant source of calcium.
C. Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of calcium and can be advised to the client to increase in her diet.
D. Carrots
Carrots are not a significant source of calcium.
Full Explanation
A. Cabbage is not a significant source of calcium.
B. Potatoes are not a significant source of calcium.
C. Broccoli is a good source of calcium and can be advised to the client to increase in her diet.
D. Carrots are not a significant source of calcium.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the difference between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Drying time is prolonged with a synthetic cast.
Drying time is typically shorter with a synthetic cast compared to a plaster cast. Synthetic casts are designed to set faster, reducing the time the patient needs to remain immobilized during casting.
B. A synthetic cast weighs less.
A synthetic cast is generally lighter in weight than a plaster cast. This can be more comfortable for the patient and may reduce the risk of muscle atrophy or discomfort associated with the cast's weight.
C. A plaster cast requires expensive equipment for application.
A plaster cast does not necessarily require expensive equipment for application, and both plaster and synthetic casts can be applied using relatively simple and cost-effective methods.
D. A synthetic cast immobilizes bone fractures more effectively.
The effectiveness of immobilization is not significantly different between plaster and synthetic casts. Both types of casts can provide adequate immobilization for bone fractures, and the choice between them may depend on factors like patient preference, the type of fracture, and other clinical considerations.
Full Explanation
A. Drying time is typically shorter with a synthetic cast compared to a plaster cast. Synthetic casts are designed to set faster, reducing the time the patient needs to remain immobilized during casting.
B. A synthetic cast is generally lighter in weight than a plaster cast. This can be more comfortable for the patient and may reduce the risk of muscle atrophy or discomfort associated with the cast's weight.
C. A plaster cast does not necessarily require expensive equipment for application, and both plaster and synthetic casts can be applied using relatively simple and cost-effective methods.
D. The effectiveness of immobilization is not significantly different between plaster and synthetic casts. Both types of casts can provide adequate immobilization for bone fractures, and the choice between them may depend on factors like patient preference, the type of fracture, and other clinical considerations.