Nokea
The nurse is planning care for a client with a newly diagnosed fractured pelvis. Which action would lessen the risk of fat embolism syndrome (FES)?
- A. Request a prescription for enoxaparin.
- B. Alternate with the application of ice and heat.
- C. Educate the client on pelvic immobilization.
- D. Encourage passive range of motion of the lower legs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pelvic immobilization reduces movement and the risk of fat globules entering the bloodstream, a key factor in fat embolism syndrome. Enoxaparin prevents clots, ice/heat manages swelling, and range of motion is beneficial but not primary for FES prevention.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a client being admitted to the medical-surgical unit with an acute flare of gout. After performing medication reconciliation, which medication does the nurse suspect could have triggered the acute gout flare? See the exhibit.
- A. hydrochlorothiazide
- B. temazepam
- C. rosuvastatin
- D. escitalopram
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, can increase serum uric acid levels by reducing renal excretion, potentially triggering an acute gout flare. Temazepam, rosuvastatin, and escitalopram do not significantly affect uric acid levels or gout.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic gout. The nurse anticipates a prescription for which medication to lower uric acid levels?
- A. colchicine
- B. allopurinol
- C. naproxen
- D. prednisone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase, reducing uric acid production and preventing gout flares in chronic gout. Colchicine and naproxen manage acute inflammation, and prednisone reduces inflammation but does not lower uric acid levels long-term.
The following scenario applies to the next 1 items
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a 62-year-old female client.
Item 1 of 1
Triage Note
1211: The client was brought to the ED by her neighbor, who was concerned about her increasing pain and immobility. The client's neighbor reported that the client called her a few hours ago, asking her to go to the ED because of increasing pain and the inability to perform her activities of daily living. History of osteoporosis, hypertension, and gout. She reports that she recently started seeing a rheumatologist because of persistent fatigue, low-grade fevers, and lack of appetite. Vital signs: T 99.7° F (37.6° C), P 82, RR 16, BP 134/76, pulse oximetry reading 98% on room air. Pain rated 7/10 on the Numerical Rating Scale, which is described as throbbing of both feet, especially in her toes. She also reports having stiffness in her wrists and fingers that starts in the morning and persists throughout the day. Triage assessment: the client is alert and fully oriented to person, place, and situation. Peripheral pulses 2+. Clear lung sounds bilaterally. Swollen, errythemic toes that are warm and tender to touch. She does not recall her weight but reports significant weight loss over the past three months.
For each assessment finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of osteoarthritis, acute gout flare, or rheumatoid arthritis. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.
- A. Low-grade fever
- B. Weight loss
- C. Redness and warmth of the affected joint
- D. Morning joint stiffness in the wrists that lasts throughout the day
- E. Pain with movement in the affected joint
- F. Reduced range of motion in the affected joint
- G. Pain level
Correct Answer: A: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Gout Flare, B: Rheumatoid Arthritis, C: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Gout Flare, D: Rheumatoid Arthritis, E: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Gout Flare, F: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Gout Flare, G: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Gout Flare
Rationale: Seen in inflammatory conditions; not typical in osteoarthritis. Chronic systemic inflammation may lead to unintentional weight loss. Indicates joint inflammation; osteoarthritis does not usually present with warmth or redness. Stiffness >1 hour, especially in small joints, is classic for RA. Movement worsens pain in all these conditions, though the cause differs. All limit ROM due to stiffness, inflammation, or damage. Pain is a shared feature, though severity and timing vary.
The nurse is caring for a client who is in Buck traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ensure that weight is between 15 to 30 lb (6.8 to 13.6 kg)
- B. Turn the client using a foam wedge every two hours
- C. Ensure that a client's heels are supported with a pillow
- D. Elevate the foot of the bed to provide counter traction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevating the foot of the bed provides counter traction to maintain alignment in Buck traction. Excessive weight risks injury, turning disrupts traction, and heel support is good but not the priority.
The nurse is assessing a client who reports left knee pain after playing baseball. The nurse should initially
- A. Feel the knee for warmth.
- B. Inspect the knee for any swelling.
- C. Palpate for crepitus in the knee.
- D. Have the client perform active range of motion in the knee.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Initial assessment starts with inspection for swelling, a visible sign of injury or inflammation post-activity. Warmth, crepitus, and range of motion are assessed next but are not the first step.