A nurse is caring for a client who had abdominal surgery 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Assess fluid intake every 24 hr.
Ambulate three times a day.
Assist with deep breathing and coughing.
Monitor the incision site for findings of infection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.
B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.
C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.
D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Blood pressure: A normal blood pressure for an adolescent is 110/70 mm Hg. The question does not provide the adolescent's blood pressure, so it cannot be determined if it requires follow-up or not.
B. Capillary refill: A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. A prolonged capillary refill time indicates impaired blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
C. Pedal pulse: A normal pedal pulse is +2 or +3. A weak pedal pulse (+1) indicates reduced blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
D. Heart rate: A normal heart rate for an adolescent is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The question does not provide the adolescent's heart rate, so it cannot be determined if it requires follow-up or not.
E. Skin temperature: A normal skin temperature is warm and dry. A cool skin temperature indicates reduced blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
F. Pain: A pain level of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 indicates severe pain that needs to be managed with appropriate analgesics and nonpharmacological interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.
B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.
C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.
D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting. This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.
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