A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is 1-day post- operative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
WBC count 8.400/mm3
Serosanguineous exudate noted on dressing change
Reports pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 when coughing
Hemoglobin 10 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
WBC count 8,400/mm3 is not appropriate. This white blood cell count is within the normal range and is not a cause for concern.
Choice B reason:
Serosanguineous exudate noted on dressing change is not appropriate. Serosanguineous drainage is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing and is expected after surgery.
Choice C reason:
Reports pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 when coughing is not appropriate. A pain level of 4 out of 10 with coughing is a common and expected finding following an appendectomy. It's important for the nurse to assess and manage pain, but this is not an urgent concern.
Choice D reason:
Haemoglobin 10 mg/dL is appropriate. Haemoglobin level of 10 mg/dL indicates a low level of haemoglobin, which might suggest anaemia or blood loss. Reporting this finding to the provider is important as it could indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Obtaining consent for surgery is the correct answer. Obtaining informed consent for surgery is a critical and ethical step to ensure the client's rights are respected and that necessary medical interventions can be performed. However, in cases where the client is unable to provide consent due to their level of intoxication, the nurse should follow established protocols for obtaining consent from a legal guardian or
Choice B reason:
Insert an NG tube is incorrect. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube might be a necessary step in preparing a client for surgery in certain cases, but it is not the top priority in this situation. Obtaining consent for surgery takes precedence.
Choice C reason:
Applying ant embolic stockings is incorrect. Applying ant embolic stockings, also known as compression stockings, is an important measure to prevent blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) during and after surgery. However, obtaining consent for surgery is more urgent in an emergency situation.
Choice D reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is incorrect. Inserting a urinary catheter might be necessary to monitor the client's urinary output during surgery, but obtaining consent for surgery is the priority action.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Listening to the client's bowel sounds should not be implemented. While assessing bowel sounds is important, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The client's low serum potassium level indicates the potential for serious cardiac arrhythmias, so actions related to monitoring and addressing this electrolyte imbalance are more critical.
Choice B reason:
Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client is the correct answer. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Initiating cardiac monitoring is crucial to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that any potential abnormalities are identified promptly.
Choice C reason:
Check the client's hand grasps should not be implemented. Assessing the client's hand grasps can provide information about muscle strength, but it is not the immediate priority when the client has a critically low potassium level.
Choice D reason:
Administer an IV potassium drip should not be implemented. Administering IV potassium is important for correcting the potassium imbalance, but the priority is to assess and monitor the client's cardiac status first. Rapid administration of potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so it's important to ensure the heart's stability through cardiac monitoring before administering potassium.
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