A nurse is assessing a patient who has just been admitted to the postsurgical unit following surgical resection for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Assess for signs of infection.
Assess for a patent airway.
Assess ability to clear oral secretions.
Assess for ability to communicate.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
While assessing for signs of infection is important, ensuring a patent airway takes precedence immediately following surgery.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Assessing for a patent airway is the top priority in postoperative care to ensure the patient can breathe effectively.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the ability to clear oral secretions is important, but it is secondary to ensuring a patent airway.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the ability to communicate is important, but it is not the immediate priority after surgical resection for oropharyngeal cancer.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While assessing the client's level of consciousness is important, it is not the priority after an EGD procedure. Ensuring the client's airway and protective reflexes is more crucial.
Choice B reason:
This is the correct answer. After an EGD, the client may have residual effects from sedation. Assessing the gag reflex helps ensure that the client's airway is protected.
Choice C reason:
Nausea is a common side effect after an EGD, but it is not the priority assessment. Ensuring the client's airway and safety come first.
Choice D reason:
Assessing pain is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the priority assessment after an EGD. Ensuring the client's airway and protective reflexes is more crucial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
IV hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic that can provide effective pain relief and can be titrated to the patient's needs. It's commonly used for severe pain associated with conditions like acute pancreatitis.
Choice B reason:
Oral naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may be used for pain relief, but it's not the first-line treatment for acute pancreatitis. NSAIDs can potentially worsen the condition due to their effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C reason:
IM meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used for pain relief. However, in severe cases of acute pancreatitis, IV opioids are often preferred for more immediate and precise pain control.
Choice D reason:
Oral oxycodone is another opioid analgesic. However, in cases of acute pancreatitis, especially when pain is severe, IV opioids are often the preferred route of administration for more rapid and reliable pain relief.
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