A nurse is reinforcing postoperative education to a client who has just had a procedure 2 days ago. Which of the following postoperative education topics should be included?
Medication regimen, continuing medication, and new medications
Resumption of preoperative lifestyle behaviors
Inform the client that loss of appetite after surgery is normal and will go away in a week or two.
Inform the client that their employer will let them know when they are to return to work.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Medication regimen, continuing medication, and new medications: Comprehensive education must cover the safe administration of all drugs to prevent errors or adverse interactions during the transition to home. The client needs to understand which preoperative medications to resume and the specific indications for new postoperative prescriptions. Clear instructions ensure therapeutic compliance and pharmacological safety.
B. Resumption of preoperative lifestyle behaviors: Clients often require specific restrictions regarding physical activity, diet, or driving until surgical healing is complete. Encouraging an immediate return to all preoperative behaviors may lead to injury or surgical site complications. Education should focus on a gradual and safe progression of activity as directed by the surgeon.
C. Inform the client that loss of appetite after surgery is normal and will go away in a week or two.: While a temporary decrease in appetite can occur, prolonged anorexia can lead to malnutrition and delayed wound healing. The nurse should encourage small, nutrient-dense meals to provide the protein and calories necessary for tissue repair. Dismissing a lack of appetite for weeks ignores the client's nutritional needs.
D. Inform the client that their employer will let them know when they are to return to work.: The decision to return to work is a clinical determination made by the healthcare provider based on the client's recovery progress. Employers do not have the medical authority to clear a patient for occupational duties following a surgical procedure. The nurse should facilitate communication between the provider and the client.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Clients with disabilities often cannot be insured.: Current healthcare regulations generally prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing disabilities or chronic conditions. While insurance premiums may be high, the total lack of insurance is not the standard clinical expectation in modern healthcare systems. Economic instability is more directly linked to out-of-pocket costs rather than an absolute inability to obtain a policy.
B. The client might have a cognitive impairment, and thus be unable to balance their checkbook.: Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by joint inflammation and does not inherently involve neurocognitive decline or impaired financial literacy. While comorbid conditions can exist, the primary pathology of arthritis does not explain an inability to manage personal finances. Economic stability in this context is threatened by external costs rather than cognitive failure.
C. The client is working part-time as a seasonal employee.: Seasonal employment provides inconsistent income, but for a client with a chronic illness, the primary economic threat is the continuous cost of medical management. While job status affects income, it does not specifically address the financial burden created by the disease itself. The high cost of medical maintenance often outweighs the impact of employment type alone.
D. The client's arthritis medications are very expensive.: Chronic arthritis management often requires biological response modifiers or long-term pharmaceutical interventions that carry significant financial costs. These recurring expenses can deplete savings and divert funds from essential needs like housing or nutrition. The high cost of specialized medications is a direct social determinant that destabilizes the client's economic security.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will need to lie on my back for several hours after the procedure.": Following a kidney biopsy, the client must maintain strict supine bed rest to apply pressure to the site and prevent hemorrhage. This positioning is essential for stabilizing the clot and monitoring for internal bleeding. Acknowledging this requirement indicates that the client understands the necessary post-procedure safety precautions.
B. "It's okay for me to take my anticoagulant the morning of the biopsy.": Anticoagulants significantly increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding from the highly vascular renal tissue during and after the needle insertion. These medications must be discontinued several days prior to the procedure to ensure normal coagulation parameters. This statement represents a high-risk misunderstanding that requires immediate correction by the nurse.
C. "I should avoid taking aspirin before the biopsy.": Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and can cause significant hematoma formation or persistent bleeding at the biopsy site. Discontinuing antiplatelet agents is a standard preoperative requirement for any invasive renal procedure. This client statement correctly reflects the necessary pharmacological adjustments needed to ensure a safe procedure.
D. "I will report any flank pain or hematuria after the procedure.": Flank pain and blood in the urine are clinical indicators of post-procedural complications like subcapsular hematoma or internal hemorrhage. Early identification of these symptoms allows for rapid intervention and stabilization. The client's awareness of these red-flag symptoms shows an appropriate understanding of the monitoring process.
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