The nurse suspects a fat embolism rather than a pulmonary embolism from a venous thrombosis when the patient with a fracture develops what?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Petechiae around the neck and upper chest. This symptom is indicative of a fat embolism rather than a pulmonary embolism from a venous thrombosis. Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin when small blood vessels break. They are a result of fat globules entering the circulation and lodging in small blood vessels in the lungs. This situation is commonly seen in patients with long bone fractures, where fat from the bone marrow can enter the bloodstream. Option A) Tachycardia and dyspnea are non-specific symptoms that can be present in both fat embolism and pulmonary embolism, making it a less specific choice. Option B) A sudden onset of chest pain is more commonly associated with a pulmonary embolism rather than a fat embolism. Option D) Electrocardiographic changes and decreased PaO2 are also non-specific and can be seen in various conditions affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Educational context: Understanding the specific signs and symptoms of fat embolism is crucial for nurses caring for patients with fractures. Recognizing petechiae can aid in early identification and prompt intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes. It highlights the importance of thorough assessment and critical thinking in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A) Perform daily exercise as a lifelong routine. This option is the most appropriate because regular exercise plays a crucial role in preventing and managing low back pain. Strengthening exercises help support the spine and improve flexibility, reducing the risk of future episodes of low back pain. Additionally, exercise promotes overall health and well-being, which can positively impact recovery and prevent recurrence of pain. Option B) Sit in a chair with the hips higher than the knees is incorrect because while maintaining proper posture is important for back health, this specific position may not be practical or feasible in all situations. It is essential to promote good posture and body mechanics, but this alone is not sufficient for recovery from acute low back pain. Option C) Avoid occupations in which the use of the body is required is incorrect because it is unrealistic and impractical advice. Most occupations require some level of physical activity, and avoiding them altogether is not a viable solution for managing or recovering from low back pain. Option D) Sleep on the abdomen or on the back with the legs extended is incorrect because there is no one-size-fits-all sleeping position for individuals with low back pain. The best sleeping position varies from person to person based on their specific condition and comfort level. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide evidence-based education to patients recovering from low back pain. Teaching patients about the benefits of exercise, proper posture, body mechanics, and individualized self-care strategies empowers them to take an active role in their recovery and overall health. Encouraging patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the physical assessment of a patient with early to moderate rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the nurse should expect to find spindle-shaped fingers (Option C) as a characteristic manifestation. This is due to synovitis causing inflammation in the joints, leading to a characteristic deformity of the fingers. A) Hepatomegaly (Option A) is not typically associated with RA. It is more commonly seen in conditions like liver disease or heart failure. B) Heberden's nodes (Option B) are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal joints and are commonly seen in osteoarthritis, not RA. D) Crepitus on joint movement (Option D) is a sensation of grating or grinding within the joint and is more commonly associated with osteoarthritis due to the wearing down of cartilage, not typically seen in early to moderate RA. Educationally, understanding the characteristic signs and symptoms of RA is crucial for nurses to provide effective care and support to patients with this condition. Recognizing spindle-shaped fingers can help in early identification and management of RA, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Nurses need to be able to differentiate between various joint conditions to provide appropriate care and support to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, joints, and ligaments, it is crucial for patients to perform back, neck, and chest stretches along with deep-breathing exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent complications like spinal fusion. These exercises help improve posture, reduce stiffness, and enhance respiratory function, which are essential for managing the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Option A is incorrect because while proper footwear is important for overall comfort and joint support, it does not directly address the specific needs of ankylosing spondylitis patients. Option B is incorrect as sleeping on the side with the knees and hips flexed may provide temporary relief but does not address the need for ongoing exercise and stretching to maintain flexibility and prevent complications. Option C is incorrect as keeping the spine slightly flexed may aggravate the condition by promoting a posture that can lead to increased stiffness and decreased mobility over time. Understanding the rationale behind the correct answer is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam as it not only tests their knowledge of specific conditions but also reinforces the importance of patient education and tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes in real-world clinical practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.