A charge nurse is teaching newly licensed nurses about postoperative procedures following abdominal surgery. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include?
Encourage ambulation only after 48 hours post-surgery.
Instruct clients to avoid coughing to prevent wound dehiscence.
Monitor for signs of infection, such as fever or redness.
Remove surgical dressings within 12 hours post-surgery.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Encouraging ambulation only after 48 hours delays recovery, as early ambulation (within 12-24 hours) promotes circulation, prevents thromboembolism, and aids bowel function post-abdominal surgery. This instruction is incorrect, as it contradicts evidence-based protocols for early mobilization to enhance recovery.
Choice B reason: Instructing clients to avoid coughing is inappropriate, as coughing and deep breathing prevent pulmonary complications like atelectasis post-abdominal surgery. Splinting the incision during coughing reduces discomfort and dehiscence risk, making this instruction incorrect as it increases respiratory complications.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever or redness, is critical post-abdominal surgery to detect complications early. Infections can delay healing and lead to sepsis. Regular assessment ensures timely intervention, aligning with evidence-based postoperative care, making this the correct information to include.
Choice D reason: Removing surgical dressings within 12 hours is not standard, as dressings typically remain for 24-48 hours or per surgeon orders to protect the wound and reduce infection risk. Premature removal increases contamination risk, making this instruction incorrect for postoperative care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Varicella, a viral infection, is not treated with antibiotics, which target bacteria. Returning to school after 24 hours of antibiotics is incorrect, as contagiousness persists until lesions crust, typically 5-7 days, risking transmission if the child returns prematurely.
Choice B reason: A negative titer result indicates immunity or resolved infection but is not a practical criterion for school return. Varicella contagiousness depends on lesion crusting, not serology, which is complex and unnecessary when clinical signs confirm reduced infectivity in affected children.
Choice C reason: Fever subsidence does not ensure non-contagiousness in Varicella. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and lesions until crusted. Allowing return based on fever ignores transmission risk, as active lesions remain infectious, potentially spreading the virus in school settings.
Choice D reason: Varicella is contagious until lesions crust over, typically 5-7 days post-rash. Crusting indicates the end of viral shedding, ensuring safety for school return. This aligns with infection control guidelines, preventing transmission via contact or respiratory routes in communal settings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking patency every 8 hours is inadequate for closed wound drainage systems, which require more frequent monitoring (e.g., every 4 hours) to detect blockages. Delayed checks risk fluid buildup, increasing infection or seroma risk, critical in postoperative wound management.
Choice B reason: Emptying the drainage system every 24 hours may be insufficient, as frequency depends on volume. Systems like Jackson-Pratt drains need emptying when half-full to maintain suction, preventing complications like infection, requiring flexible, volume-based schedules rather than fixed intervals.
Choice C reason: Securing the drainage system to the gown prevents dislodgement, maintaining suction and reducing infection risk. It supports mobility while stabilizing the system, preventing wound tension. This is critical for effective drainage and healing in postoperative clients with closed systems.
Choice D reason: Replacing the drainage system every 3 days is unnecessary unless infection or malfunction occurs. Routine replacement risks introducing pathogens or disrupting healing. Systems remain until drainage decreases, guided by clinical assessment, not a fixed schedule, to ensure safety.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.