A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following gynecologic surgery and reports incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10.
Reposition the client and offer her a back rub.
Determine the time the client last received pain medication.
Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10:
Assessing the client's pain intensity is the first essential step in managing postoperative pain. Understanding the severity of pain will guide the nurse in determining the appropriate intervention and whether immediate pain relief measures or further assessment are needed.
B) Reposition the client and offer her a back rub:
Repositioning and providing comfort measures like a back rub can help alleviate discomfort, but assessing the pain level first is crucial to prioritize interventions effectively.
C) Determine the time the client last received pain medication:
Knowing the timing of the last pain medication dose is important but assessing current pain intensity takes precedence to determine if the client needs immediate pain relief.
D) Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature:
While vital signs are important for overall assessment, addressing pain management and comfort should be the initial focus after the client reports incisional pain postoperatively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Serum calcium 10.5 mg/dL:
A serum calcium level of 10.5 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL). Spironolactone does not typically affect calcium levels significantly.
B) Serum potassium 5.2 mEq/L:
An elevated serum potassium level (hyperkalemia) is a known adverse effect of spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits aldosterone, leading to decreased potassium excretion and potential hyperkalemia, especially in clients with impaired renal function.
C) Serum chloride 99 mEq/L:
A serum chloride level of 99 mEq/L is within the normal range (96-106 mEq/L). Spironolactone does not typically affect chloride levels significantly.
D) Serum sodium 140 mEq/L:
A serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). Spironolactone does not typically affect sodium levels significantly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day:
Cimetidine, a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist used to treat gastric acid-related disorders, does not typically affect potassium levels. Its mechanism of action involves reducing stomach acid production rather than impacting electrolyte balance.
B) Furosemide 80 mg PO daily:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to increased urinary excretion of potassium (potassium wasting). This mechanism can result in hypokalemia, especially with higher doses or prolonged use.
C) Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily:
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication primarily used for herpes simplex virus infections. It does not have a known association with causing hypokalemia.
D) Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily:
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation. It does not affect potassium levels and is not associated with causing hypokalemia.
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