A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings for a client who developed fat embolism syndrome (FES) following a fracture. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased serum calcium level
- B. Decreased serum calcium level
- C. Increased white blood cell count
- D. Decreased platelet count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased serum calcium level. In fat embolism syndrome (FES), fat globules enter the bloodstream, leading to blockages in small blood vessels. This can cause a decrease in serum calcium due to the formation of fat emboli in the pulmonary circulation, leading to hypoxia and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators that can affect calcium levels. The other choices are incorrect because in FES, there is no direct effect on serum calcium levels. Increased serum calcium levels (choice A) are not expected in FES. While increased white blood cell count (choice C) and decreased platelet count (choice D) can occur in response to inflammation or infection associated with FES, they are not specific laboratory findings for FES.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. This can lead to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous in a client with heart failure as it can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium levels regularly to prevent this adverse effect.
Summary of other choices:
B: Hyperkalemia - Furosemide does not typically cause hyperkalemia.
C: Hypernatremia - Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to sodium loss, not hypernatremia.
D: Hypertension - Furosemide is actually used to treat hypertension, so it is not an adverse effect of the medication in this scenario.
A nurse is preparing a client for a radiation treatment who is postoperative following a mastectomy. The nurse should inform the client to expect which of the following adverse effects from the treatment?
- A. Hair loss
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fatigue. Radiation treatment can cause fatigue as it affects healthy cells in addition to cancer cells, leading to increased tiredness. Hair loss (A) is more commonly associated with chemotherapy, while nausea and vomiting (B) are typical side effects of chemotherapy or certain medications. Skin irritation (D) is a common side effect of radiation treatment, but fatigue is the primary adverse effect in this scenario due to its impact on overall energy levels.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings for a client who developed fat embolism syndrome (FES) following a fracture. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased serum calcium level
- B. Increased potassium level
- C. Decreased white blood cell count
- D. Increased serum albumin level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased serum calcium level. In fat embolism syndrome (FES), fat droplets enter the bloodstream and can affect various organs. One of the common complications is hypocalcemia due to the binding of calcium to the fatty acids, leading to decreased serum calcium levels. This can result in symptoms such as confusion, tetany, and seizures. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Increased potassium level is not typically associated with FES. C: Decreased white blood cell count is not a common finding in FES. D: Increased serum albumin level is not related to FES.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is being treated with chemotherapy and radiation for metastatic breast cancer, and who has neutropenia. The nurse should include which of the following restrictions in the client's plan of care?
- A. Fresh flowers and potted plants in the room
- B. Use of public transportation
- C. Group activities
- D. Unrestricted visitors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fresh flowers and potted plants in the room. Neutropenic clients are at high risk for infections due to low white blood cell count. Fresh flowers and plants can harbor bacteria and fungi that can potentially cause infections. Therefore, restricting fresh flowers and plants helps minimize the risk of infection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the risk of infection in neutropenic clients. Using public transportation, engaging in group activities, or having visitors are generally safe as long as proper infection control measures are followed.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of the following values?
- A. Creatinine
- B. Bilirubin
- C. Amylase
- D. Albumin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Amylase. In acute pancreatitis, there is inflammation of the pancreas leading to leakage of pancreatic enzymes like amylase into the blood. Elevated amylase levels are a hallmark of acute pancreatitis. Creatinine (A) is related to kidney function, bilirubin (B) to liver function, and albumin (D) to protein status. In acute pancreatitis, the focus is on pancreatic enzymes like amylase.
Nokea