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 ["A","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. This choice is correct because mental status changes, such as agitation, confusion, or delirium, are common signs of thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism that occurs when there is excessive release of thyroid hormones.
B. This choice is incorrect because wound drainage is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a potential complication of any surgery that can indicate infection or bleeding.
C. This choice is correct because tachycardia, or increased heart rate, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased metabolic demand and increased sensitivity to catecholamines.
D. This choice is incorrect because pain is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a common symptom of any surgery that can be managed with analgesics.
E. This choice is correct because hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance.
F. This choice is correct because hyperthermia, or increased temperature, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased heat production and impaired heat dissipation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Palpate the degree of edema. This is incorrect because palpating the degree of edema requires clinical judgment and skill, which are beyond the scope of practice of an AP.
B. Regulate IV pump fluid rate. This is incorrect because regulating IV pump fluid rate is a nursing responsibility that involves calculating and adjusting the infusion rate based on the client's condition and orders.
C. Measure the client's daily weight. This is correct because measuring the client's daily weight is a routine task that can be delegated to an AP, as long as the nurse provides clear instructions and monitors the results. The client's daily weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Assess the client's vital signs. This is incorrect because assessing the client's vital signs requires interpretation and analysis of data, which are nursing functions that cannot be delegated to an AP.
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