A client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate postoperative period for which most frequent complication of this type of surgery?
Intestinal obstruction
Folate deficiency
Malabsorption of fat
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because intestinal obstruction is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that connects the end of the small intestine (ileum) to a pouch or bag outside the body. This allows stool to bypass the colon and rectum. Intestinal obstruction can occur if there is a blockage or narrowing in any part of the digestive tract, but it is more likely to affect the colon than the ileum.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because folate deficiency is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Folate is a vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folate is mainly absorbed in the jejunum, which is the middle part of the small intestine. An ileostomy does not affect the jejunum, so it does not interfere with folate absorption.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because malabsorption of fat is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fat is digested and absorbed in both the small and large intestine. An ileostomy does not affect fat digestion, but it may reduce fat absorption by decreasing the transit time and surface area of the intestine. However, this is usually not significant enough to cause malabsorption symptoms.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fluid and electrolytes are mainly absorbed in the colon, which is bypassed by an ileostomy. This can result in increased fluid and electrolyte loss through stool, especially sodium and potassium. This can lead to dehydration, hypotension, weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Resting in bed for at least 2 days is not necessary after cataract surgery. The client should resume normal activities as soon as possible, but avoid strenuous activities that increase intraocular pressure.
Choice B reason: Deep breathing and coughing four times a day are not related to cataract surgery. This is a technique to prevent respiratory complications after abdominal or thoracic surgery.
Choice C reason: After two days, a creamy discharge is not normal. This could indicate an infection or inflammation of the eye. The client should report any changes in vision, pain, redness, swelling, or discharge to the provider.
Choice D reason: Keeping the head up and straight is the correct instruction. This helps to prevent increased intraocular pressure and bleeding in the eye. The client should also avoid rubbing or touching the eye, wearing sunglasses to protect from bright light, and using prescribed eye drops as directed.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this describes a stupor, which is a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced responsiveness. A stuporous client shows minimal movement and verbal responses and requires extreme vigorous stimulation such as painful stimuli to awaken briefly.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this describes obtundation, which is a state of reduced alertness or awareness. An obtunded client is extremely drowsy and minimally responsive and requires vigorous stimulation such as shaking or shouting to wake.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this describes lethargy, which is a state of decreased energy or activity. A lethargic client is alert and oriented x3 (to person, place, and time), but sluggish and drowsy, and wakes to voice or gentle shaking.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this describes a coma, which is a state of deep unconsciousness or unresponsiveness. A comatose client does not respond to verbal stimuli or speak and shows abnormal posturing in response to pain, such as decorticate (flexion of arms and extension of legs) or decerebrate (extension of arms and legs).
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