A male client is admitted to the emergency department while vomiting dark brown, foul- smelling emesis. He reports having a surgical repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia a week ago and is troubled by intense abdominal pain. After finding that his bowel sounds are hyperactive, which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach a bedside drainage unit.

Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen.

Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.

Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101° F (38.3°C).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   An indwelling urinary catheter is generally used for monitoring urine output in patients with urinary issues or those who are unable to void. It is not the first-line intervention for a client with symptoms suggesting a possible bowel obstruction or gastrointestinal complication. While monitoring urine output may be important, it does not address the immediate concern of the client’s gastrointestinal symptoms.
B.   An abdominal x-ray can help diagnose conditions such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or other abdominal issues by visualizing the presence of air-fluid levels or distended bowel loops. While this diagnostic step is important, it should follow interventions that might provide immediate symptomatic relief or help manage the suspected condition.
C.   Inserting an NGT and attaching it to low intermittent suction is a critical intervention for managing symptoms of bowel obstruction or severe gastrointestinal distress. The dark brown, foul-smelling vomit and hyperactive bowel sounds suggest that the client might have a bowel obstruction or significant gastrointestinal complication. An NGT can help decompress the stomach, relieve pressure, reduce vomiting, and prevent further gastrointestinal complications.
D.   While providing analgesics for pain and fever is important for overall symptom management, it does not address the immediate cause of the client’s symptoms. The focus should be on diagnosing and managing the underlying issue causing the symptoms, such as a bowel obstruction, rather than just treating pain or fever.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it's important to monitor for complications, this is not a typical initial instruction for a soft tissue injury.
B. Early range of motion exercises are generally not recommended for acute soft tissue injuries, as they can increase swelling and pain.
C. This is the correct instruction. Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain. It should be applied intermittently to prevent tissue damage from excessive cold.
D. Heat is typically used in the later stages of healing to promote blood flow and relaxation, but continuous heat application can be harmful in the acute phase.

A. Limit intake of chips and pretzels. B. Encourage mountain biking. C. Elevate lower extremities. D. Restrict fluid intake to water.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Chips and pretzels are high in sodium, which can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate symptoms of CVI. While reducing sodium intake can help manage fluid retention and swelling, it is not the most direct action for promoting circulation itself. It’s more of an adjunctive measure that can support overall management of CVI but does not directly improve venous circulation.
B. Mountain biking is an intense physical activity that may not be suitable for all clients with chronic venous insufficiency, especially if they have significant symptoms or mobility issues. High-impact exercises can potentially exacerbate symptoms or lead to injury. Low-impact activities are generally recommended to improve circulation and manage CVI.
C. Elevating the lower extremities is a highly effective measure for promoting circulation in clients with chronic venous insufficiency. It helps reduce venous pressure and promotes the return of blood to the heart, thereby alleviating swelling and discomfort. This action is directly beneficial in managing CVI.
D. Restricting fluid intake to water alone does not directly address the underlying issues of venous insufficiency. While managing overall fluid intake can be part of a comprehensive plan to prevent excessive fluid retention, it is not the most direct or effective action for promoting circulation compared to elevating the legs.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Acute soft tissue injuries provide the nurse with a variety of teaching opportunities. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client with a soft tissue injury?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which nursing action is most helpful in promoting circulation in a client with chronic venous insufficiency?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is evaluating a client's symptoms, and formulates the nursing problem, "High risk for injury due to potential urinary tract infection." Which symptoms indicate the need for this nursing problem?

An older adult client arrives at the outpatient eye surgery clinic for a right cataract extraction and lens implant. During the immediate postoperative period, which intervention should the nurse implement?

The nurse reviews discharge instructions with a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?

The nurse is collecting a urine specimen for a client with symptoms related to urethritis. Which collection method should the nurse implement?

A client with chronic venous insufficiency is being discharged from the hospital, and plans to return home. Which client statement indicates an understanding of home care instructions?

The nurse assesses an adult client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds the client's blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg. The client is tachycardiac, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse perform first?

A client receiving thyroid replacement therapy following a thyroidectomy is seen in the dinic for a 6 weeks postoperative check-up. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?