A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse understand is a manifestation of bleeding?
Hypertension
2+ edema
Tachycardia
Crackles in lungs
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical sign of bleeding. In cases of significant blood loss, compensatory mechanisms usually lead to hypotension rather than hypertension due to reduced circulating volume. A hypertensive response may occur due to pain or stress but does not indicate hemorrhage.
B. 2+ edema: Postoperative edema can occur from fluid shifts, inflammation, or IV fluid administration but is not a direct indicator of active bleeding. Bleeding is more likely to cause signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia or hypotension, rather than localized swelling.
C. Tachycardia: A common early sign of bleeding, as the body compensates for decreased blood volume by increasing heart rate to maintain oxygen delivery. Persistent tachycardia in a postoperative client should raise suspicion for internal bleeding, especially if accompanied by hypotension or pallor.
D. Crackles in lungs: Crackles are usually linked to fluid overload, pneumonia, or heart failure rather than bleeding. Pulmonary congestion may develop after aggressive IV fluid resuscitation, but bleeding primarily manifests with hemodynamic instability rather than respiratory symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Closing the inline clamp is necessary when the catheter is not in use to prevent air embolism, but it is not a required step before administering medication. The nurse should focus on flushing and checking for patency before medication administration.
B. Flushing the catheter with 10 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride before and after medication administration helps maintain patency, prevents occlusion, and ensures the catheter is functioning properly. This step is essential to avoid complications such as clot formation.
C. Applying a local anesthetic is not needed for routine medication administration through a nontunneled percutaneous central catheter. Anesthetic use is typically reserved for procedures like catheter insertion or painful dressing changes.
D. Donning sterile gloves is not required for medication administration through a central line. Clean gloves are sufficient, while sterile technique is reserved for dressing changes and catheter insertions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Purulent drainage: The presence of purulent drainage suggests a possible wound infection, which requires immediate evaluation and potential intervention by the provider. Signs of infection may include increased warmth, redness, swelling, and fever. Culturing the wound and initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy may be necessary.
B. Edema: Mild edema around the surgical site is a common postoperative finding due to localized inflammation and tissue healing. Unless accompanied by other concerning signs like excessive drainage or warmth, it is not typically a cause for alarm.
C. Ecchymotic skin: Bruising around the incision site is expected after surgery due to minor blood vessel trauma during the procedure. It usually resolves without intervention and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
D. Erythema: Some redness around the incision is normal in the early postoperative period as part of the inflammatory response to healing. However, increasing or spreading erythema, particularly with warmth and tenderness, may indicate infection and should be further evaluated.
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