A nurse is assessing a client 3 days following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is developing a complication?

Increased hemoglobin

Increased urinary output

Unilateral leg swelling

Mild pain at the surgical site

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:

A. Increased hemoglobin: A rise in hemoglobin is not expected after surgery but also does not suggest a postoperative complication. It may reflect hemoconcentration from mild dehydration or fluid shifts. This finding does not indicate infection, thrombosis, or impaired healing, so it is not a priority concern at this stage.

B. Increased urinary output: Higher urinary output may occur if the client is well-hydrated or receiving IV fluids. This finding does not suggest renal impairment or postoperative complications. As long as urine is clear and the client is stable, increased output is not concerning and requires only routine monitoring.

C. Unilateral leg swelling: One-sided leg swelling is a hallmark sign of deep vein thrombosis, a serious complication after pelvic surgery due to venous stasis and immobilization. A DVT can progress to pulmonary embolism, posing immediate danger. The finding requires prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.

D. Mild pain at the surgical site: Mild incisional pain is expected on postoperative day three as tissues heal and inflammation decreases. This finding is typical and manageable with analgesics. As long as pain is not severe or accompanied by fever, redness, or purulent drainage, it does not indicate a complication.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A. A client who is 4 hr postpartum and has a heart rate of 90/min: A heart rate of 90/min is within normal postpartum limits. This client is stable and does not require immediate assessment, making them a lower priority compared to clients showing signs of possible infection or complications.

B. A client who is 4 days postpartum and has a WBC count of 18,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): An elevated WBC count 4 days postpartum can indicate a serious infection, such as endometritis or another postpartum infection. This client is at risk for rapid deterioration and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

C. A client who is 12 hr postpartum and has an oral temperature of 37.8° C (100° F): A mild temperature elevation shortly after birth can be expected due to normal postpartum physiologic changes. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as the markedly elevated WBC count indicating potential infection.

D. A client who is 2 days postpartum and reports dysuria: Dysuria may indicate a urinary tract infection, which requires evaluation, but this is less immediately threatening than a client with signs of systemic infection. This client should be assessed after clients with potential severe infection or hemodynamic instability.

A. Inform the transferring agency of the client's condition. B. Notify risk management. C. Privately interview the client about the injuries. D. Contact the family regarding the client's condition.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Inform the transferring agency of the client's condition: While notifying the transferring facility may be part of documentation or reporting, it does not directly address suspicions of abuse. The priority is to gather accurate information from the client in a safe and confidential manner before reporting.

B. Notify risk management: Risk management may be involved in internal investigation processes, but contacting them is not the first step when abuse is suspected. Immediate priority is assessing the client’s safety and obtaining information about the injuries.

C. Privately interview the client about the injuries: Conducting a private, nonjudgmental interview allows the nurse to gather direct information about the cause of the injuries without influence or intimidation from others. This is a critical first step in identifying potential elder abuse, ensuring the client’s safety, and providing evidence for appropriate reporting.

D. Contact the family regarding the client's condition: Contacting family members before assessing the client can compromise the investigation, particularly if family members are potential perpetrators. Privacy and safety of the client must be prioritized before involving others.

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Body system	Findings
Neurologic	Client is awake, alert, oriented x3
Cardiovascular	Client reports no palpitations, heart rhythm regular. Right lower extremity +2 edema from ankle to below the knee joint. Skin warm and inflamed: +2 pedal pulses present in bilateral extremities
Musculoskeletal	Client reports no groin pain, has slight limp with weight bearing on the right extremity

A nurse is assessing a client 3 days following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is developing a complication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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