Author Question: A client recovering from surgical repair for a compound fracture of the leg is confused to place and ... (Read 39 times)

washai · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A client recovering from surgical repair for a compound fracture of the leg is confused to place and time and the left side of the face is drooping. The nurse should conclude that the client:

1. is experiencing a fat embolism to the brain.
2. has a deep vein thrombosis.
3. has pulmonary edema.
4. is hemorrhaging on the brain.

Question 2

A client with a broken arm is experiencing redness, warmth, and swelling of the arm. The client complains of pain and burning in the extremity. The nurse concludes that the client is experiencing a complication, and if left untreated, the extremity will:

1. need to be amputated.
2. be cool and cyanotic.
3. require surgery.
4. be placed in traction.

janeli1 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1

1. Broken bones can release fat globules into the blood stream that can affect any system. In this case, the client exhibits central nervous system symptoms indicating an embolism to the brain.
2. The embolism following a fracture is due to fat not a deep vein thrombosis.
3. Pulmonary edema wound indicate the embolism is in the lungs.
4. Hemorrhaging on the brain causes a cerebral vascular accident. The most likely cause of this client's symptoms is a fat embolism.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2

1. Amputation will not be needed for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). But, treatment is needed immediately to prevent damage.
2. Left untreated, the client's arm will become cool and cyanotic.
3. CRPS is a diffuse pain problem that has no known cause and does not require surgery.
4. Traction is necessary to stretch or align bones. CRPS is not an issue with bone alignment.