Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardReduction of Risk Potential

A nurse is caring for a client who is 2424 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a right femoral shaft fracture. The client suddenly becomes intensely restless and confused. Assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 3232 breaths/minute, a heart rate of 122122 bpm, and a pinpoint red rash over the anterior chest. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results on room air are as follows:

ParameterResultReference Range
pH\text{pH}7.487.487.35−7.457.35 - 7.45
PaCO2\text{PaCO}_229 mm Hg29\text{ mm Hg}35−45 mm Hg35 - 45\text{ mm Hg}
PaO2\text{PaO}_254 mm Hg54\text{ mm Hg}80−100 mm Hg80 - 100\text{ mm Hg}
HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^-22 mEq/L22\text{ mEq/L}22−26 mEq/L22 - 26\text{ mEq/L}

Which action should the nurse perform FIRST to reduce the risk of severe physiological deterioration?

  1. A
    Coach the client to breathe slowly into a paper bag to correct the primary respiratory alkalosis
  2. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask and activate the rapid response teamAnswer
  3. C
    Reposition the right lower extremity by elevating it above the level of the heart on two pillows
  4. D
    Perform a comprehensive neurological assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

The correct action is to administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask and activate the rapid response team.
The correct answer addresses the immediate life-threatening crisis. The client is exhibiting the classic triad of fat embolism syndrome (FES): severe hypoxemia, neurological changes, and a petechial rash following a long bone fracture. The arterial blood gas reveals profound hypoxemia (PaO2\text{PaO}_2 of 54 mm Hg54\text{ mm Hg}). The immediate priority is to maximize oxygenation to prevent ischemic brain injury and cardiac arrest, which requires high-flow oxygen and emergency team assistance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clinical presentation and surgical history.
The client had a long bone fracture 2424 hours ago and now presents with confusion, dyspnea, and a petechial rash. This is the classic clinical triad of Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES).
Identifying the underlying pathophysiological crisis dictates the required emergency response and helps anticipate complications.
2
Interpret the arterial blood gas (ABG) results.
The ABG demonstrates uncompensated respiratory alkalosis (pH 7.48\text{pH } 7.48, PaCO2 29\text{PaCO}_2\text{ } 29) secondary to severe hypoxemia (PaO2 54\text{PaO}_2\text{ } 54).
The profound lack of oxygen in the blood is the primary threat to life. The low carbon dioxide is merely a compensatory physiological response (hyperventilation) driven by the hypoxia.
3
Prioritize nursing interventions based on the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Applying high-flow oxygen and calling for emergency assistance is the absolute first priority.
Without immediate correction of the severe hypoxemia, the client will rapidly progress to anoxic brain injury or cardiac arrest. Other assessments and standard orthopedic interventions must be deferred.

Key Concept

Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) Triad and Priority ABC Interventions
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic