A 6-week-old infant with poor weight gain is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Maintain a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A is correct because the nurse's priority is to provide comfort and dignity to the dying patient. Pain management is an essential aspect of end-of-life care.
Choice B is incorrect because updating the nurse manager is not a priority action. The nurse manager can be informed later, after the patient's needs are met.
Choice C is incorrect because conveying the patient's status to the chaplain is not a priority action. The chaplain can be contacted later, after the patient's needs are met. The chaplain may also need the consent of the patient or the family before providing spiritual support.
Choice D is incorrect because documenting the impending signs of death is not a priority action. Documentation can be done later, after the patient's needs are met. Documentation is important, but not as important as providing comfort and dignity to the dying patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is unnecessary and inefficient. The UAP can safely assist the client with influenza if they follow proper infection control measures. This is an incorrect choice.
Choice B: Reviewing the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client is an action that the nurse should take, as this can protect the UAP and others from droplet transmission of influenza. This is a standard precaution that should be reinforced by the nurse. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C: Instructing the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is not indicated for a client with influenza. A respirator mask is required for airborne transmission, not droplet transmission. This is another incorrect choice.
Choice D: Directing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is a general instruction that does not address the specific issue of infection control. This is another incorrect choice.
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