A client is 24 hours post-op after having a colon resection (part of the colon is removed and the healthy ends are sewn back together). His abdominal incision is dry and intact, but the nurse notes that bowel sounds have not returned. What condition is this client likely experiencing?
Paralytic ileus
Clostridium difficile colitis
Constipation
Fecal impaction
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because paralytic ileus is a condition in which the intestinal motility is decreased or absent, resulting in the inability to pass gas or stool. It is a common complication of abdominal surgery, as the manipulation of the bowel can cause inflammation and nerve damage. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of bowel obstruction, such as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because Clostridium difficile colitis is a condition in which the normal flora of the colon is disrupted by antibiotic therapy, allowing the overgrowth of a toxin-producing bacteria that causes inflammation and diarrhea. It is not a common complication of abdominal surgery, but rather a risk associated with prolonged hospitalization and antibiotic use.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because constipation is a condition in which the stool is hard, dry, and difficult to pass. It is not a common complication of abdominal surgery, but rather a side effect of opioid analgesics, which can slow down the bowel movements. The nurse should encourage the client to increase fluid and fiber intake, and use stool softeners as prescribed.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because fecal impaction is a condition in which a large mass of stool is stuck in the rectum, preventing the passage of gas or stool. It is not a common complication of abdominal surgery, but rather a result of chronic constipation, dehydration, or immobility. The nurse should assess the client for signs of impaction, such as abdominal cramping, rectal pressure, and leakage of liquid stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nurses can accomplish more if they perform the easiest or fastest interventions is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should focus on the quantity rather than the quality of care. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the urgency and complexity of the patient's needs, not on the ease or speed of the interventions. Performing the easiest or fastest interventions may not address the most important or critical issues that the patient faces.
Choice B reason: Nurses should always perform interventions related to client preference early in the shift is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should base their care on the patient's wishes rather than the patient's condition. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the severity and acuity of the patient's problems, not on the patient's preference. Performing interventions related to client preference early in the shift may not be feasible or appropriate if the patient has more urgent or emergent needs that require immediate attention.
Choice C reason: Nurses need to plan how to accomplish all activities within one shift is not a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement implies that nurses should focus on the completion rather than the quality of care. However, nurses should prioritize care based on the significance and impact of the patient's outcomes, not on the completion of the activities. Accomplishing all activities within one shift may not be possible or necessary if the patient's situation changes or if some activities can be delegated or postponed.
Choice D reason: Nurses have a limited amount of time to perform nursing interventions during a shift is a primary reason for prioritizing care. This statement acknowledges that nurses face time constraints and competing demands in their work environment. Therefore, nurses should prioritize care based on the best use of their time and resources to meet the patient's needs. Having a limited amount of time to perform nursing interventions during a shift requires nurses to make clinical judgments and decisions that optimize the patient's health and safety.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because it shows that the RN understands delegation as a way of managing time effectively. Delegation is the process of assigning tasks to other members of the health care team who are competent and qualified to perform them. By working with the LPN and nursing assistant on dividing up patient care tasks, the RN can ensure that the tasks are done safely, efficiently, and according to the scope of practice of each team member.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because it shows that the RN does not understand delegation as a way of managing time effectively. Working overtime until everything is finished is not a sustainable or productive strategy, as it can lead to fatigue, burnout, and errors. The RN should prioritize the tasks that are most important and urgent, and delegate the tasks that can be done by others.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because it shows that the RN does not understand delegation as a way of managing time effectively. Checking to make sure that the tasks are done correctly is part of the supervision and evaluation of delegation, but it is not the main goal of delegation. The main goal of delegation is to optimize the use of resources and skills of the health care team, and to provide quality care to the patients. The RN should trust and respect the abilities of the LPN and nursing assistant, and only intervene if there is a problem or a concern.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because it shows that the RN does not understand delegation as a way of managing time effectively. Completing every nursing intervention or report by the end of the shift is not always possible or realistic, especially in a busy and dynamic health care environment. The RN should focus on the outcomes and quality of care, rather than the quantity of tasks. The RN should also communicate and collaborate with the other members of the health care team, and hand over any unfinished tasks to the next shift.
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