. A nurse is caring for a client who develops a fat embolism after sustaining multiple fractures in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Initiate intravenous fluid therapy
Prepare the client for emergency surgery
Administer high flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask
Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Initiate intravenous fluid therapy. While fluid therapy is essential to support circulation and reduce the risk of shock, oxygenation takes priority in fat embolism management.
B. Prepare the client for emergency surgery. Surgery is not typically the first-line intervention for fat embolism; management focuses on supportive care, particularly respiratory support.
C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. High-flow oxygen is the first priority to address hypoxia caused by fat embolism and should be administered immediately to maintain adequate oxygenation.
D. Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs). SCDs are used to prevent venous thromboembolism, but they do not help with the treatment of fat embolism.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stroke: The sudden onset of one-sided weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and severe headache are classic symptoms of an acute stroke, where blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to neurological deficits.
B. Migraine: While migraines can cause headache and some neurological symptoms, they usually include visual disturbances, nausea, or photophobia rather than one-sided weakness and numbness.
C. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, weakness, and headache, but it typically lacks the focal neurological symptoms, like one-sided weakness and numbness.
D. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA can cause similar symptoms, but the deficits are usually transient and resolve within 24 hours without lasting neurological damage. Persistent symptoms are more indicative of a stroke.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Reposition the client at least every two hours. Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, which helps prevent the formation of pressure injuries.
B. Encourage the client to limit fluid intake. Adequate hydration is important for skin integrity. Limiting fluid intake could lead to dehydration, increasing the risk for skin breakdown.
C. Use a donut-shaped cushion under the client's hips. Donut-shaped cushions can actually increase pressure around the edges of the cushion and restrict blood flow, which could worsen pressure injury risk.
D. Apply a heating pad to the client's back every four hours. Heat can cause skin damage and may increase the risk of burns. Temperature regulation is important, but heating pads are not recommended for pressure injury prevention.