A 42-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department ...

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A 42-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department with a left femur fracture. Which information obtained by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?
 
  a. Ecchymosis of the left thigh
  b. Complaints of severe thigh pain
  c. Slow capillary refill of the left foot
  d. Outward pointing toes on the left foot

Question 2

The day after a 60-year-old patient has an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for an open, displaced tibial fracture, the priority nursing diagnosis is
 
  a. activity intolerance related to deconditioning.
  b. risk for constipation related to prolonged bed rest.
  c. risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility.
  d. risk for infection related to disruption of skin integrity.

[amandalm]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Prolonged capillary refill may indicate complications such as arterial damage or compartment syndrome. The other findings are typical with a left femur fracture.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A patient having an ORIF is at risk for problems such as wound infection and osteomyelitis. After an ORIF, patients typically are mobilized starting the first postoperative day, so problems caused by immobility are not as likely.

[WhattoUnderstand]

TYSM

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