52.1k views
5 votes
A client presents to the emergency department with fever, chills, restlessness, and limited movement of a fractured jaw. What complication should the nurse interpret as the findings?

Compartment syndrome
Avascular necrosis
Osteomyelitis
Fat embolism

User Neji
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

A client with fever, chills, restlessness, and limited jaw movement likely has osteomyelitis, a bone infection characterized by localized pain and swelling. Diagnosis and treatment involve imaging, cultures, antibiotics, and potentially surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client presents with fever, chills, restlessness, and limited movement of a fractured jaw, the nurse should interpret these findings as osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that is characterized by fever, localized pain, and swelling due to edema. The condition can result from situations such as a fractured jaw where infection has potentially been introduced or has spread to the bone, resulting in inflammation and bone loss. Important components of the management include the use of imaging techniques for diagnosis, blood and bone cultures to identify the etiologic agents, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.

The findings in the client presenting with fever, chills, restlessness, and limited movement of a fractured jaw suggest the possibility of a complication known as osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, which can occur as a result of a fractured jaw. The symptoms of osteomyelitis include fever, localized pain, swelling, and ulcers near the site of infection. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can lead to tissue damage and bone loss, and the infection may even spread to other areas of the body.

User YourPalNurav
by
8.8k points