The nurse is caring for a client with a fractured femur. Which nursing intervention is most effective in helping reduce the risk for fat emboli?

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11ecbb05_ca0a_d1c1_b433_6bdd07e9e620_MD0009_00 Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a life-threatening condition that has no specific treatment. Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis, and immediate management of symptoms are critical. When a long bone is fractured, pressure within the bone marrow leads to release of fat globules into the bloodstream. These combine with platelets (fat embolus) and can travel to the brain, lungs, and kidneys, leading to small-vessel occlusion and tissue ischemia. Therefore, early stabilization of the injury and surgery as soon as possible to repair long bone (eg, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula) fractures is recommended to reduce further injury to soft tissue. The nurse should minimize movement of the injured extremity to reduce the risk for fat emboli. (Options A and D) Prophylactic anticoagulation, use of intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and early ambulation help reduce the risks for venous thromboembolism (eg, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus) but not fat emboli. (Option B) Frequent use of incentive spirometry prevents atelectasis and pneumonia. Educational objective: Minimizing movement of a fractured long bone and early stabilization of the injury with surgery reduce the risk for fat emboli.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with a Fractured