A nurse is caring for a client who had total hip arthroplasty 1 day ago and is receiving morphine sulfate by PCA pump for pain control. The client reports nausea and vomiting. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?
Provide an antiemetic.
Make the client NPO.
Administer a stimulant laxative.
Auscultate bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Provide an antiemetic.
While providing an antiemetic can help alleviate the client's nausea and vomiting, it is not the priority action. Assessment should come first to determine the underlying cause.
B. Make the client NPO.
Making the client NPO might be necessary if there is concern about bowel obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues, but this decision should be based on an initial assessment, such as auscultating bowel sounds.
C. Administer a stimulant laxative.
Administering a stimulant laxative is not appropriate at this stage without first assessing bowel sounds. It could potentially worsen the situation if there is a bowel obstruction.
D. Auscultate bowel sounds.
The priority in this situation is to assess for possible complications such as bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus, which can occur postoperatively and can be exacerbated by opioid use. Auscultating bowel sounds helps determine the presence of normal, hypoactive, or absent bowel sounds, guiding further management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Xerostomia
Xerostomia is dry mouth, a condition where the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. It can have various causes, including medications, medical conditions, or dehydration. Xerostomia is not directly related to teeth grinding.
B. Halitosis
Halitosis is bad breath. While dental issues, including bruxism (teeth grinding), can contribute to bad breath, halitosis itself does not specifically describe teeth grinding.
C. Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep. If a client suspects or reports grinding their teeth at night, it is appropriate to document and discuss the issue as bruxism. Bruxism can lead to dental problems, jaw pain, and headaches.
D. Sordes
Sordes refers to a collection of foul matter, such as debris or crusted material, around the mouth. It is not related to teeth grinding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. “Use sugar-free gum if you experience a metallic taste in your mouth.”
This is the appropriate choice. Chemotherapy can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, and using sugar-free gum or candies can help alleviate this taste disturbance.
B. “Drink fluids at mealtime to prevent early satiety.”
This statement is not advisable. Drinking fluids at mealtime may lead to early satiety, making it challenging for the client to consume adequate nutrition. It is generally recommended to drink fluids between meals.
C. “Foods that are higher in fat can help nausea.”
This statement is not accurate. High-fat foods may exacerbate nausea for some individuals undergoing chemotherapy. The focus during periods of nausea is often on easily digestible, low-fat, and bland foods.
D. “Raw fruits and vegetables will be easier for your body to digest.”
This statement is not accurate. Raw fruits and vegetables may be harder to digest, and during chemotherapy, the digestive system can be sensitive. It is generally recommended to choose cooked or processed fruits and vegetables for easier digestion.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.