A patient diagnosed with lung carcinoma is scheduled for a left pneumonectomy.

Which nursing intervention should be prioritized in the immediate postoperative period?

Application of anti-embolism stockings.

Use of the incentive spirometer.

Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac.

Repositioning the patient in bed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
While the application of anti-embolism stockings can be beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis in postoperative patients, it is not the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. The immediate postoperative period after a pneumonectomy is critical for monitoring and managing potential complications such as respiratory distress, hemorrhage, and bronchopleural fistula.
Choice B rationale
The use of the incentive spirometer is an important nursing intervention for postoperative patients to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. However, in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, the priority is to monitor for complications and ensure the stability of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac is the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. After a pneumonectomy, a chest tube is placed to drain air, blood, and fluid from the pleural space to allow the remaining lung to re-expand. It is crucial to monitor the chest tube system for proper functioning and to assess for complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the patient in bed is a standard nursing intervention in postoperative care to enhance comfort, promote lung expansion, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. However, it is not the most prioritized intervention in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, where monitoring for respiratory complications and ensuring the stability of the patient are paramount.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Thoracentesis may be performed to remove air from the pleural space in a client with a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases (ABGs) can help assess the client’s respiratory status and the severity of the pneumothorax.
Choice C rationale
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest can provide detailed images of the lungs and can help confirm the diagnosis of a pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Preparation for the insertion of a chest tube may be necessary to remove air from the pleural space and allow the lung to re-expand in a client with a pneumothorax.
Choice E rationale
Obtaining intravenous access is often necessary for administering medications and fluids.

A. Potential Condition: Bleeding, Actions to Take: Observe surgical dressing, obtain blood cultures, Parameters to Monitor: Blood pressure, Patient’s performance of lung expansion exercises. B. Potential Condition: Air leak, Actions to Take: Check the drainage system, Parameters to Monitor: Respiratory status, Chest tube drainage. C. Potential Condition: Pulmonary edema. D. Potential Condition: Pneumonia.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While bleeding is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice B rationale
An air leak is a potential complication following a thoracotomy with chest tube insertion. The nurse should check the drainage system and monitor the patient’s respiratory status and chest tube drainage.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary edema is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice D rationale
Pneumonia is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.

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A patient diagnosed with lung carcinoma is scheduled for a left pneumonectomy. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized in the immediate postoperative period?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax. The nurse is reviewing the client’s medical record. What prescriptions should the nurse anticipate for a client who has a pneumothorax?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

What condition is the patient most likely experiencing, what two actions should the nurse take to address that condition, and what two parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the patient’s progress?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A patient diagnosed with lung carcinoma is scheduled for a left pneumonectomy.

Which nursing intervention should be prioritized in the immediate postoperative period?