A nurse is assessing a client 12 hours following an emergency abdominal surgery. Which assessment finding requires prompt collaboration with the primary health care provider?

Abdomen soft, surgical dressing has scant amount of old drainage

Client ambulating with minimal assistance, complaints of occasional nausea

Crackles bilaterally in bases of lungs, has incisional pain

Temperature 99.4°F (37.4°C), pulse 100 bpm, bowel sounds present

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Abdomen soft, surgical dressing has scant amount of old drainage: A soft abdomen and minimal old drainage from the surgical dressing are expected findings postoperatively. They do not indicate an immediate concern that requires prompt action.
B. Client ambulating with minimal assistance, complaints of occasional nausea: Ambulation and occasional nausea are common and generally expected postoperatively. These findings do not require urgent collaboration with the healthcare provider.
C. Crackles bilaterally in bases of lungs, has incisional pain: Crackles in the lungs can indicate fluid accumulation or atelectasis, which may lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications. This finding, especially combined with recent surgery, requires prompt evaluation and intervention.
D. Temperature 99.4°F (37.4°C), pulse 100 bpm, bowel sounds present: A slightly elevated temperature and increased pulse are common after surgery. The presence of bowel sounds is a positive sign indicating the return of gastrointestinal function. These findings are not immediately concerning.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene): This is the correct choice. Kayexalate is used to treat hyperkalemia (high serum potassium levels) by facilitating the removal of excess potassium from the body through the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Potassium chloride: This is used to treat hypokalemia (low potassium levels), not hyperkalemia.
C. Sodium bicarbonate: This can be used to correct metabolic acidosis and may indirectly help with potassium levels, but it is not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia.
D. Aldactone (spironolactone): This is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels, which would be contraindicated in the case of hyperkalemia.

A. A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L B. A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign C. A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL D. A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L: Although diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, a serum sodium level of 139 mmol/L is within normal range, so this client is not the highest priority.
B. A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign: A calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL is slightly low but not critically low, especially with a negative Trousseau sign. This client is stable compared to others.
C. A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL: A BUN of 18 mg/dL indicates mild elevation, and fluid volume excess can be managed with adjustments in treatment; this client does not require immediate priority.
D. A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues and symptoms like palpitations. This client requires urgent attention to address the potential risk of cardiac complications.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is assessing a client 12 hours following an emergency abdominal surgery. Which assessment finding requires prompt collaboration with the primary health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse cares for a client with a serum potassium of 5.4 mEq/L. The nurse should anticipate a prescription order for what medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse working on a medical surgical unit is assigned four clients at the start of their shift. What client should be given the highest priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which of the following assessment findings should alert the nurse that a client's IV has infiltrated? (Select All That Apply)

The illustration reflects a client's upper extremity while the nurse obtains a manual blood pressure. Which electrolyte abnormality is the nurse most likely to see in the client's blood chemistry results?

Which menu choice indicates that a client understands their nurse's teaching about the best dietary sources of iron?

The client has received IV solution for three (3) days through a 20-gauge IV catheter placed in the left hand. On morning rounds, the nurse notes the IV site is tender to palpation and a red streak has formed. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is assessing a client in the post-anesthesia care unit. The client's vital signs are T 98°F, P 106, R 24, and BP 88/40. The client is awake and oriented x 3 and the skin is pale and damp. The client denies complaints of pain. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

The pharmacy just delivered the sustained-release opioid tablets newly prescribed for a client with a gastrostomy tube. What should the nurse do when preparing to provide this medication to the client?

During a preoperative review of systems, the client reveals a history of renal disease. This finding suggests the need for which relevant preoperative diagnostic tests?