An RN on a busy orthopedic unit is planning initial rounds after completing the change-of-shift report. Among the assigned caseload, which individual requires the nurse's immediate attention?
- AAn older adult who underwent a total hip arthroplasty two days ago whose closed-suction surgical drain has collected 50 mL of serosanguineous fluid over the past 8 hours
- BA middle-aged adult recovering from a lumbar laminectomy who reports severe back spasms rated as an 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale and is requesting immediate medication
- A young adult recovering from surgical fixation of a fractured tibia who is newly restless, tachypneic, and displays scattered petechiae across the upper chestCevap
- DAn older adult receiving intravenous antibiotics for chronic osteomyelitis whose morning laboratory results reveal a white blood cell count of 14,500/mm³
Cevap
The client recovering from surgical fixation of a fractured tibia who is newly restless, tachypneic, and displays scattered petechiae across the upper chest.
The correct answer identifies a client exhibiting the classic triad of Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES): hypoxemia (evidenced by early restlessness and tachypnea), neurologic compromise, and a petechial rash. FES is a medical emergency most commonly associated with long bone fractures, such as a tibia fracture. This client is experiencing an acute, unexpected breathing and circulatory complication, making them the absolute highest priority for immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory failure.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritization using the ABCs framework and recognizing life-threatening complications such as Fat Embolism Syndrome.