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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. The nurse should check the functioning of oxygen equipment daily, not weekly, to ensure safety and proper delivery of oxygen.
- B. Correct. The nurse should instruct the client to wear clothing made with cotton fabrics while oxygen is in use, as synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity and cause sparks that could ignite the oxygen.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid petroleum-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, as they are flammable and could cause burns if exposed to oxygen. The nurse should recommend water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, instead.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to store full oxygen tanks upright, not on their side, to prevent them from rolling and damaging the valve or regulator.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
- B. Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.
- C. Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.
- D. Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.
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