A nurse is assessing a client who had a colostomy 24 hrs ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
The stoma appears dark purple in color.
The colostomy has had no output.
The client refuses to look at the colostomy.
The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10
The Correct Answer is A
A. The stoma appears dark purple in color. This is a priority finding, as it may indicate impaired circulation or necrosis of the stoma tissue. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red and moist. A dark purple or black color requires immediate evaluation.
B. The colostomy has had no output. While it is important to monitor output, it is not unusual for a new colostomy to have minimal or no output in the first 24–48 hours post-op as bowel function returns.
C. The client refuses to look at the colostomy. This is a psychosocial concern and may indicate body image issues or denial, but it is not the most urgent issue in the immediate postoperative period.
D. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Pain management is important, but a pain level of 6, while needing intervention, does not take priority over a potential vascular compromise of the stoma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Trochanter roll. This device is used to prevent external rotation of the hips, especially in clients who are immobile or lying supine. It does not support the feet or ankles and does not prevent plantar flexion.
B. Abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is placed between the legs to maintain proper hip alignment, particularly after hip surgery. It is not designed to prevent foot drop or plantar flexion contractures.
C. Sheepskin heel pad. This provides skin protection and pressure relief to prevent pressure ulcers on the heels. While useful for comfort and skin integrity, it does not keep the foot in a neutral position to prevent contractures.
D. Footboard. A footboard is placed at the foot of the bed to help maintain the foot in dorsiflexion, thereby preventing plantar flexion contractures (also known as foot drop). It supports proper alignment and is the most appropriate device for this purpose in clients with limited mobility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the client's peripheral pulses every 15 min. Frequent assessment of peripheral pulses, especially in the affected extremity, is essential to monitor for signs of arterial occlusion, hematoma, or compromised circulation following a femoral catheterization.
B. Change the client's dressing 4 hr following the procedure. The initial pressure dressing should not be disturbed unless there are signs of bleeding or saturation. Routine dressing changes this soon can disrupt the clotting process at the insertion site.
C. Instruct the client to flex the right knee every 30 min. The client should keep the affected leg straight to prevent disrupting the insertion site. Flexing the knee can increase the risk of bleeding and compromise the integrity of the puncture site.
D. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45°. Elevating the head of the bed too high can increase abdominal pressure on the femoral site, risking bleeding. The bed should be kept no higher than 30° to reduce stress on the insertion area.
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