Author Question: When checking laboratory values on a client recovering from a fracture of the left femur, the nurse ... (Read 163 times)

kamilo84 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When checking laboratory values on a client recovering from a fracture of the left femur, the nurse should expect to find which of the following changes?

1. A decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
2. An increase in uric acid
3. An increase in alkaline phosphatase
4. A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA)

Question 2

The nurse is assisting a client who is having a Thomas test performed. When the client's left knee is brought to his chest, the nurse recognizes that a hip flexion contracture is present when:

1. the client complains of pain in his lumbar spine.
2. the client complains of sharp pain radiating down his left leg.
3. the client's right leg externally rotates.
4. the client's right leg rises off the bed.

morganmarie791 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3

1. ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation; it might be elevated secondary to the trauma, but would not be specific to bone.
2. Elevated uric acid levels are seen in gout.
3. Alkaline phosphatase levels increase during bone healing and with bone tumors.
4. ANA is found in autoimmune disorders.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4

1. Pain might be present but would not support diagnosis of the contracture.
2. Pain might be present but would not support diagnosis of the contracture.
3. External rotation is not associated with hip flexion.
4. When the left leg is brought to the chest, the right leg should be kept straight. When the leg rises off the bed, a hip flexion contracture is indicated.