A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is luted for surgery. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for a complication of incisional hematoma forming?
The client is underweight.
The client takes anticoagulant medications.
The client has urinary incontinence
The client has peripheral vascular disease
The Correct Answer is B
A) The client is underweight:
Being underweight is not directly associated with an increased risk of incisional hematoma formation. However, underweight individuals may have a lower amount of subcutaneous fat, which could affect wound healing. While nutritional status plays a role in recovery after surgery, being underweight does not specifically increase the risk of hematoma formation at
the incision site.
B) The client takes anticoagulant medications:
Taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin, or newer anticoagulants like dabigatran) increases the risk of bleeding and the formation of an incisional hematoma. Anticoagulants work by reducing the blood's ability to clot, making it more difficult to stop bleeding after surgery. This increases the likelihood of blood accumulating in the tissue around the incision site, potentially forming a hematoma.
C) The client has urinary incontinence:
Urinary incontinence does not directly increase the risk of incisional hematoma formation. However, it can lead to other complications, such as skin irritation or infection, but it is not a primary risk factor for hematoma formation in the surgical wound. The main concern with urinary incontinence in the perioperative period is ensuring proper skin care to prevent moisture-associated skin damage.
D) The client has peripheral vascular disease:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects circulation in the extremities, which can impair wound healing due to decreased blood flow. While PVD can contribute to delayed healing and complications like infection, it is not the most significant factor for the formation of incisional hematomas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time:. Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to bypass the stomach and release the medication in the small intestine to avoid irritation of the stomach lining. Crushing the tablet could potentially release the entire dose all at once, which could lead to gastrointestinal irritation, but this isn't the primary concern. The key issue is that crushing destroys the enteric coating, which is crucial for protecting the stomach.
B) Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion:
Enteric-coated medications are specifically designed to protect the stomach lining by delaying the release of the drug until it reaches the small intestine. Crushing the medication would destroy the enteric coating, which can lead to stomach irritation, upset, or even ulcer formation due to the direct exposure of the stomach lining to the medication. Therefore, crushing could cause significant discomfort or damage to the digestive system.
C) "Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix in some ice cream for you.":
Crushing enteric-coated medications, such as aspirin, can lead to adverse effects like stomach irritation, ulceration, and poor absorption. The nurse should not recommend this method of administration without first consulting with the prescribing provider or pharmacist to explore alternatives.
D) "Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication.":
Crushing does not destroy the active ingredients in the medication, but it does destroy the enteric coating, which is the key concern. The enteric coating's function is to prevent the aspirin from irritating the stomach. While it's important to recognize that crushing is unsafe, the reason is more about the loss of this protective coating rather than the destruction of the medication's active ingredients themselves.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Chloride 112:
Chloride levels are typically not directly associated with numbness or tingling of the hands and fingers. Elevated chloride levels (greater than 108 mEq/L) may indicate metabolic acidosis, but they would not directly explain the symptoms seen in this client following parathyroidectomy. Therefore, this value is unlikely to be relevant in this scenario.
B) Calcium 7.5:
After the partial removal of the parathyroid glands, the client may experience hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, due to the reduced production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. When the parathyroid glands are removed or damaged, there may be insufficient PTH to maintain normal calcium levels, leading to hypocalcemia. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and fingers. A calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5–10.5 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia, which is consistent with the patient's symptoms.
C) Potassium 4.0:
A potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not typically cause numbness or tingling. Although potassium imbalances can cause neuromuscular symptoms, they would not be the most likely cause of the symptoms in this case, especially in relation to parathyroidectomy.
D) Calcium 12.1:
A calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL is elevated and would suggest hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and weakness, but it does not typically cause numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Elevated calcium levels are more likely to occur in conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy, not typically following parathyroid gland removal. Therefore, this is not the expected lab result in this scenario.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
