A client comes to the emergency department with severe pain and tenderness in the groin area. The nurse suspects an incarcerated hernia. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
Assessing the client's blood pressure and heart rate.
Obtaining a detailed history of the client's diet and eating habits.
Evaluating the client's range of motion and joint flexibility.
Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Assessing the client's blood pressure and heart rate is a priority in a client with an incarcerated hernia as it can indicate signs of compromised blood flow to the herniated tissue and potential strangulation.
Choice B reason:
Obtaining a detailed history of the client's diet and eating habits may be important for certain conditions, but it is not a priority assessment in a client with a suspected incarcerated hernia.
Choice C reason:
Evaluating the client's range of motion and joint flexibility may be relevant for musculoskeletal assessments, but it is not a priority in a client with a suspected incarcerated hernia.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory rate may be important in various conditions, but it is not a priority assessment in a client with a suspected incarcerated hernia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While hernias can occur in infants and young children, they are not more common in this age group due to weak abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias are more common in infants, but other types of hernias may have different age distributions.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Hernias are primarily seen in older adults and the elderly due to age-related changes in connective tissues, such as a decrease in collagen and elastin fibers.
Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Age is a significant risk factor for hernias, and they are more common in older adults.
Choice D reason:
Hernias are more common in older adults than in adolescents and young adults. Rapid growth during adolescence may increase the risk of certain types of hernias, but it is not the primary age group affected by hernias.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Mild discomfort and a reducible bulge in the hernia site may be present in some clients with hernias. While it is important to assess the hernia, these symptoms are not indicative of an incarcerated hernia.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. An incarcerated hernia occurs when the herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot be reduced back into the abdominal cavity. It can lead to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C reason:
An occasional burning sensation after meals is not directly related to an incarcerated hernia. This symptom may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other gastrointestinal issues, which should be assessed by the healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
A palpable lump that disappears when lying down is characteristic of a reducible hernia, not an incarcerated hernia. An incarcerated hernia cannot be manually reduced and may be associated with severe pain and other symptoms.
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.