In: Nursing
Which assessment finding in a 35 year old male patient with multiple long bone fractures of the lower extremities indicates to the RN that an arterial blood gas study should be requested immediately?
a. Petechial rash
b. prolonged capillary refill in the toes
c. Acute changes in vision
d. Sudden onset of irritability and confusion
ANSWER IS OPTION D
Sudden onset of irritability and confusion
Arterial blood gas is a blood test which is used to give an indication of ventilation ,gas exchange and acid-base status and is taken from an arterial blood supply .FAT EMBOLISM SYNDROME [FES] is a multi-organ disorder with potentially serious sequelae that is commonly seen in the orthopaedic patient population after femur fractures.one of the clinical features of FES is altered mental status and irritability
PETECHIAL RASH [tiny round ,brown -purple spot due to bleeding under the skin] is due to minor trauma or widespread due to blood -clotting disorder.-not related to multiple long bone fracture
Prolonged Capillary refill time suggest peripheral artery diseases.In that case it is not necessary to take ABG.
Commonly patient with lower extremity fracture will not experience any disturbance in his vision related to management of fracture..