After observing blood-tinged mucous when suctioning a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit after a laryngectomy, which action by the nurse is best?
Place the patient in a lateral recovery position for better drainage of the secretions.
Activate the rapid-response team.
Keep monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
Increase the humidification of the patient's oxygen.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Placing the patient in a lateral recovery position is the best immediate action. This position helps facilitate drainage of secretions, especially after a laryngectomy, which can reduce the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction. The blood-tinged mucus may be due to recent surgery and should be monitored for changes.
B. The activation of the rapid-response team may be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens or becomes critical, but there is no indication of an acute life-threatening event based on the blood-tinged mucus alone.
C. Monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate is important, but it is a secondary concern compared to providing a position that promotes drainage and prevents aspiration.
D. Increasing humidification of the oxygen may help keep the airway moist, but the immediate priority should be ensuring proper positioning to allow secretion drainage and prevent aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hyperaldosteronism causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to elevated serum sodium levels and low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 2.5 mmol/L is indicative of hypokalemia, which is a classic finding in hyperaldosteronism.
B. This serum electrolyte pattern (normal sodium and potassium) is not suggestive of hyperaldosteronism.
C. In hyperaldosteronism, the serum sodium is typically elevated, but the potassium level is very low, not elevated as seen in this option.
D. While low potassium is indicative of hyperaldosteronism, the sodium level is abnormally low in this case, which is not typical for this condition. Hyperaldosteronism typically presents with elevated sodium.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dumping syndrome is not related to the increased secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes; it occurs when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine.
B. Dumping syndrome is not caused by a decrease in insulin secretion, but rather by rapid gastric emptying that can result in fluctuating blood sugar levels.
C. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing a sudden release of insulin and other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
D. While high-fat foods can be problematic for some gastric bypass patients, dumping syndrome is specifically related to rapid gastric emptying and not the inability to digest fat.
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