A PACU nurse is monitoring the drainage from a client's NG tube following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings in the first postoperative hour should the nurse report to the provider?
75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage
150 mL of serosanguineous drainage
100 mL of red drainage
200 mL of brown drainage
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage should not be reported. This could be stomach contents or bile, which can be expected after surgery and might not be alarming.
Choice B reason:
150 mL of serosanguineous drainage should not be reported. Serosanguineous drainage is a mix of clear and slightly bloody fluid, which can be expected after surgery and may not be alarming.
Choice C reason:
100 mL of red drainage should be reported. After abdominal surgery, the drainage from an NG (nasogastric) tube is monitored to assess the client's condition and the status of their gastrointestinal system. Red drainage could indicate bleeding, which is a significant concern after surgery. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice D reason:
200 mL of brown drainage should not be reported. Brown drainage could also be indicative of old blood or digestive fluids, which might be expected after surgery and may not be alarming.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Wound tissue firm to palpation is a false expectation. While firmness can be an indicator of healing in some wounds, it's not a reliable indicator on its own. The appearance and characteristics of the tissue, including granulation tissue, are more significant indicators of healing.
Choice B reason:
Dry brown eschar is a false expectation. Brown eschar is often necrotic tissue that needs to be removed for the wound to heal. Its presence typically suggests a lack of healing progress.
Choice C reason:
Dark red granulation tissue is the correct expectation because it is a sign of healing in a pressure ulcer. Granulation tissue is the new tissue that forms during the healing process, and the dark red color indicates that the tissue is well-vascularized and receiving adequate blood supply, which is essential for healing.
Choice D reason:
Light yellow exudate is a false expectation. Light yellow exudate is often indicative of infection or non-healing wounds. While some exudate is normal in the healing process, its color alone doesn't necessarily indicate healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Loose tracheal secretions are incorrect. While this could lead to airway issues if not managed, it's not as urgent as stridor.
Choice B reason:
Hypoactive bowel sounds are incorrect. Bowel sounds can be affected by anaesthesia and the surgical procedure, but they are not as immediately critical as airway issues.
Choice C reason:
High-pitched sound on inspiration. A high-pitched sound on inspiration, also known as stridor, can indicate a potential issue with the airway or breathing. Stridor can occur due to narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway, which can be particularly concerning after a thyroidectomy. It could suggest edema, bleeding, or damage to the laryngeal nerves, which are critical for vocal cord function and airway control. Stridor could potentially lead to airway compromise, making it a priority to report to the provider for immediate evaluation and intervention.
Choice D reason:
Client report of pain at the incision is incorrect. Pain management is important, but it's not an immediate threat to the client's airway or overall condition.

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