Chapter 46. Nursing Care of Patients With Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

A patient 48 hours after surgery for a fractured femoral shaft is experiencing mental confusion, tachycardia, tachypnea, and dyspnea. The patients blood pressure is elevated and petechiae are present on the chest. After reporting the findings to the RN what should the nurse do while awaiting the physicians specific orders? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer oxygen. b. Prepare patient for arterial blood gas tests. c. Prepare patient for chest x-ray or lung scan. d. Maintain bedrest and keep movement to a minimum. e. Ask patient to move affected limb to see if pain is worse. f. Place patient in high Fowlers position or raise the head of the bed. - ANS: Administer oxygen. Prepare patient for arterial blood gas tests. Prepare patient for chest x-ray or lung scan. Maintain bed rest and keep movement to a minimum. Place patient in high Fowler's position or raise the head of the bed. The patient is likely experiencing a fat emboli. The patient should be placed in a high Fowler's position to aid breathing, diagnostic tests will be done, and the patient is kept on bed rest to reduce oxygenation needs and clot movement. Oxyg