A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery.
Which of the following assessment data should the nurse report to the provider?
Serosanguineous drainage noted on the abdominal dressing.
Postoperative laboratory results are Hgb 15% and Hct 40%.
The client's urine output has been 50 mL since surgery.
The client's pain level has decreased since the administration of morphine.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Serosanguineous drainage noted on the abdominal dressing is a common finding in the early postoperative period. It is a mixture of clear and bloody drainage and is often seen after surgery. This does not typically require immediate reporting unless it becomes excessive or changes significantly. The nurse can continue to monitor and assess the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Postoperative laboratory results of Hgb 15% and Hct 40% are within the normal range for most adults, and there is no immediate need to report these results to the provider. These values suggest that the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are within an acceptable range, indicating adequate oxygen-carrying capacity.
Choice C rationale:
The client's urine output has been 50 mL since surgery, which is significantly decreased and could indicate a potential issue with renal function or fluid balance. This should be reported to the provider, as it may be indicative of kidney impairment, dehydration, or other postoperative complications.
Choice D rationale:
The client's pain level decreasing after the administration of morphine is an expected response to pain management interventions. There is no need to report this information to the provider unless the pain relief is inadequate or the client experiences adverse effects. Pain management is an essential part of postoperative care, and successful pain reduction is a positive outcome.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While the principle of justice is essential in healthcare, it does not directly address the client's decision to proceed with elective surgery or not. Justice pertains more to the fair allocation of resources and the equitable treatment of individuals, which may not directly apply to the client's autonomy in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
The principle of fidelity relates to keeping promises and being faithful to commitments, but it may not be the primary ethical principle to consider in this situation. The client's decision to proceed with elective surgery is primarily a matter of personal autonomy, and the nurse should prioritize respecting the client's autonomy over fidelity.
Choice C rationale:
Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication, but it does not take precedence over the client's autonomy in this context. While it is important for the nurse to provide honest information, the client's autonomous decision to proceed with or decline surgery should be respected regardless of the nurse's communication of truthful information. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Justice is the ethical principle related to fairness and equality in healthcare. It is not applicable in this scenario as it does not address the nurse's action of returning at 1400 for wound care.
Choice B rationale:
Autonomy is the principle that respects a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While important, this is not the focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in healthcare. The nurse returning at the agreed time of 1400 does not primarily relate to veracity. It is more about keeping a commitment.
Choice D rationale:
Fidelity, or faithfulness, is the ethical principle that the nurse is demonstrating in this scenario. The nurse is keeping their commitment to provide wound care at the agreed time of 1400. This aligns with the principle of fidelity.
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