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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Attaching a prefilled syringe to the catheter inflation hub is a step performed after the catheter insertion to inflate the balloon, securing the catheter in the bladder. This action is not the first step and should not be done before cleansing the meatus and positioning the sterile drape.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the sterile drape leaving the perineum exposed is a necessary step in maintaining the sterility of the procedure area. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Cleaning the client's meatus with an antiseptic solution is the initial step to prevent infection during catheter insertion.

Choice C rationale:

Cleaning the client's meatus with antiseptic solution is the first step in inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. This action helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection by minimizing the introduction of bacteria into the urethra.

Choice D rationale:

Lubricating the catheter with water-soluble gel is a step performed after cleansing the meatus and positioning the sterile drape. It facilitates the smooth insertion of the catheter into the urethra. However, it is not the first action to be taken.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

- A. Incorrect. The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).

- B. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).

- C. Correct. The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).

- D. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).

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A nurse is caring for a client who had abdominal surgery 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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