A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy.
Vital Signs 1800:
Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 104/min
Respiratory rate 22/min
Blood pressure 142/80 mm Hg O2 saturation 97% on room air 1800:
Client alert and oriented x 4
Skin warm and dry
Lungs clear on auscultation
Bowel sounds hypoactive in all four quadrants Urine clear yellow
Incisional dressing clean and dry
Client reports pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
1815:
Morphine administered as prescribed
2000:
Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 24/min
Blood pressure 158/88 mm Hg O2 saturation 93% on room air.
Which of the following 4 client findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Bowel sounds
Oxygen saturation
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain level
Heart rate
Incision characteristics
Lungs sounds
Correct Answer : B,C,E,F
- A. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all four quadrants, which is expected after an appendectomy due to anesthesia and decreased peristalsis. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- B. Oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This could indicate impaired gas exchange, respiratory depression, or infection. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- C. Nausea is a common feature of appendicitis and should go away with appendectomy. This finding should, therefore, be reported to the healthcare provider.
- D. Vomiting is also a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.
- E. Pain level is 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client received morphine as prescribed at 1815, and the pain level is still significant. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider
- F. Heart rate is 110/min, which is above the normal range of 60 to 100/min. This could indicate pain, anxiety, dehydration, infection, or bleeding. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- G. Incision characteristics are clean and dry, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any signs of infection are present.
- H. Lungs sounds are clear on auscultation, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any abnormal lung sounds are heard such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. The nurse should check the functioning of oxygen equipment daily, not weekly, to ensure safety and proper delivery of oxygen.
- B. Correct. The nurse should instruct the client to wear clothing made with cotton fabrics while oxygen is in use, as synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity and cause sparks that could ignite the oxygen.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid petroleum-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, as they are flammable and could cause burns if exposed to oxygen. The nurse should recommend water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, instead.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to store full oxygen tanks upright, not on their side, to prevent them from rolling and damaging the valve or regulator.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Adjust the crutches for comfort as needed. This is incorrect because the crutches should be adjusted to fit the client's height and arm length, and should not be changed without proper guidance.
- B. Use a three-point gait. This is correct because this gait allows the client to avoid putting weight on the affected leg and maintain balance and stability.
- C. Wear leather-soled shoes. This is incorrect because leather-soled shoes can be slippery and increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- D. Advance the affected leg first when walking upstairs. This is incorrect because the client should advance the unaffected leg first when walking upstairs, and the affected leg first when walking downstairs.
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