The nurse is caring for a hospitalized adolescent whose femur was fractured 18 hours ago.The adolescent suddenly develops chest pain and dyspnea.The nurse should suspect what complication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fat emboli are of greatest concern in individuals with fractures of the long bones.Fat droplets from the marrow are transferred to the general circulation,where they are transported to the lung or brain.This type of embolism usually occurs within the second 12 hours after the injury.Sepsis would manifest with fever and lethargy.Osteomyelitis usually is seen with pain at the site of infection and fever.A child with an acute respiratory tract infection would have nasal congestion,not chest pain.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Hospitalized Adolescent Whose Femur