How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a preschooler who is postoperative following an appendectomy.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The child is at risk for developing

as evidenced by their. and.
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"C"}

  • Postoperative ileus: Ileus is a common complication after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia, opioid use, and limited mobility. It presents as delayed return of bowel function, marked by absent bowel sounds and abdominal discomfort. In this case, the child has absent bowel sounds and increasing tenderness, supporting this risk.
  • Atelectasis: Atelectasis generally presents with diminished breath sounds and hypoxia, not clear breath sounds. Although the child has shallow respirations and is refusing the incentive spirometer, there are no respiratory findings such as decreased oxygen saturation or adventitious breath sounds that support this condition currently.
  • Peritonitis: Peritonitis would present with systemic symptoms like fever, severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, or signs of sepsis. The child has mild abdominal tenderness and stable vital signs, which do not indicate peritoneal inflammation at this time.
  • Urinary retention: This would be characterized by lack of urination, bladder distension, or discomfort—none of which are noted in the scenario. The child’s urinary output and bladder status are not identified as concerns, making this diagnosis unlikely.
  • Absent bowel sounds:  This is a key clinical sign of ileus. After surgery, bowel activity should return gradually. Continued absence of sounds, especially along with abdominal tenderness, strongly indicates impaired gastrointestinal motility.
  • Shallow respirations: While shallow breathing is often a contributing factor to respiratory complications, in the context of abdominal surgery, it also limits diaphragmatic movement, which can further suppress bowel activity and contribute to postoperative ileus.
  • Clear breath sounds:  This is a normal respiratory finding and does not support the presence of atelectasis or other pulmonary complications. It suggests that lung fields are adequately ventilated despite shallow breathing.
  • Intact abdominal dressing: This is an expected postoperative finding and does not support a diagnosis of infection, wound complication, or ileus. It indicates proper surgical wound healing.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Place a small, folded blanket behind the baby's neck to provide support while in the car seat. Adding extra padding behind the infant’s neck is not recommended, as it can alter the positioning and compromise the safety design of the car seat. Only manufacturer-approved inserts should be used.
B. Anchor the car seat in a rear-facing position in the back seat of the vehicle. Infants under the age of 2 should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. This position offers the best protection for the infant’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
C. Ensure the water heater temperature is set to no more than 54° C (129.2° F). This temperature is too high and increases the risk of scalding. The recommended maximum temperature for a household water heater is 49° C (120° F) to ensure infant safety.
D. Cover the baby with a cotton blanket when they are asleep. Using loose bedding, including blankets, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, the infant should sleep in a wearable blanket or sleep sack on a firm mattress without soft items.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Request an interpreter of a different sex from the client. The interpreter's sex should be based on the client’s cultural preferences, not assumed by the nurse. This decision should be made to promote comfort and cultural sensitivity.
B. Request a family member or friend to interpret information for the client. This is not recommended, especially for medical discussions, as it may lead to misinterpretation, breaches of confidentiality, and biased communication.
C. Direct attention toward the interpreter when speaking to the client. The nurse should speak directly to the client, not the interpreter, to maintain a therapeutic relationship and respect for the client.
D. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter. This is the most appropriate initial action. Each facility typically has specific guidelines and procedures for accessing qualified medical interpreters, which the nurse should follow to ensure accurate and ethical communication.

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

Register