A client who had colon surgery 3 days ago is anxious and requesting assistance to reposition. While the nurse is turning the client, the wound dehiscences and eviscerates. The nurse moistens an available sterile dressing and places it over the wound. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?
Prepare the client to return to the operating room.
Obtain a sample of the drainage to send to the lab.
Bring additional sterile dressing supplies to the room.
Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sound activity.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the client to return to the operating room:
This is the correct and immediate priority. Evisceration, where internal organs protrude through the surgical incision, is a surgical emergency. Returning the client to the operating room is necessary to assess the extent of the complication, address the wound dehiscence, and protect the exposed organs. This intervention aims to prevent further complications and provide necessary surgical interventions.
B. Obtain a sample of the drainage to send to the lab:
While obtaining samples for laboratory analysis can be important for infection control, in the context of a client with evisceration, the primary concern is the surgical emergency. The priority is to address the wound complication by returning to the operating room rather than focusing on laboratory analysis at this immediate moment.
C. Bring additional sterile dressing supplies to the room:
While bringing additional supplies may be necessary, the priority in this situation is to prepare for the client's return to the operating room. Once the client is in a controlled surgical environment, additional dressing changes and wound care can be performed as needed.
D. Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sound activity:
While monitoring bowel sounds is a routine nursing assessment, in the context of evisceration, the immediate concern is the exposure of internal organs and the risk of infection. Preparing for the operating room takes precedence over routine assessments.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Evaluate the urine for a strong odor.
While evaluating urine for a strong odor can provide some information about a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), it is not the most immediate concern. The priority in this case is to assess for signs of systemic infection, and checking for a strong odor can be done later.
B. Measure her temperature and pulse rate.
This is the correct choice. Measuring temperature and pulse rate is a critical initial step to assess for signs of systemic infection. Fever and an elevated pulse rate can indicate that the infection may have spread beyond the bladder, possibly involving the kidneys.
C. Test her urine for the presence of hematuria.
Testing for hematuria (blood in the urine) is an important diagnostic step for a UTI, but it is not the first priority. Vital sign assessment takes precedence to determine the severity of the condition and the need for urgent intervention.
D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness.
Palpating the right flank for tenderness is a relevant physical assessment to check for kidney involvement, which is important in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. However, assessing vital signs is a more immediate and critical step to determine the severity of the condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased temperature to the lower extremity:
While increased temperature could indicate inflammation or infection, it is not as immediately concerning as impaired circulation.
B. Right foot pale with sluggish capillary refill.
This finding suggests a potential impairment in blood flow to the right foot, which could be due to complications such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow. Pale color and sluggish capillary refill indicate compromised circulation and require prompt intervention to prevent further damage.
C. Circumferential edema of the right foot:
Edema is a common finding after a fracture and cast application. However, in the context of pale color and sluggish capillary refill, it may indicate increased pressure within the compartment, requiring immediate attention.
D. Complaint of throbbing right leg pain:
Pain is a common complaint after a fracture, and throbbing pain may be expected. However, the priority is to address the potential compromise in circulation indicated by the pale color and sluggish capillary refill.
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