During an abdominal assessment, a client with a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C) experiences pain and abruptly stops inhaling during deep palpation. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?
Monitor urinary output
Obtain an electrocardiogram
Restrict activity to bed rest
Initiate NPO status
The Correct Answer is D
A. Monitoring urinary output is important for assessing kidney function and hydration status, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The abrupt cessation of inhalation during palpation suggests acute abdominal pathology that requires immediate attention.
B. Obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) is necessary in cases of suspected cardiac issues, but the symptoms described are more indicative of an acute abdominal condition, such as peritonitis or cholecystitis, rather than a cardiac event.
C. Restricting activity to bed rest may help prevent further discomfort or complications, but it is not the most critical immediate action. The client’s acute symptoms suggest the need for more urgent interventions.
D. Initiating NPO (nothing by mouth) status is the most important action because the client may require surgical intervention or further diagnostic testing for an acute abdominal condition. NPO status is essential to prepare the client for potential surgery and to prevent further complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Giving the client water to drink might help produce more urine, but it does not address the immediate issue of potential bladder distention, which can cause discomfort and urinary retention.
B. Evaluating the client for bladder distention is the priority action. The symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort and difficulty urinating suggest possible urinary retention, which could be due to an enlarged prostate or other obstructive issues. Assessing for bladder distention will help determine if the bladder is full and if further interventions, such as catheterization, are needed.
C. Instructing the client to try urinating again may not be effective if the client is experiencing urinary retention, and it doesn't address the underlying issue.
D. Sending the few drops of urine for evaluation could provide some information but does not address the potential problem of bladder distention or retention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Measuring blood pressure when lying and standing assesses for orthostatic hypotension, not orthopnea.
B. Observing for jugular vein distention can indicate fluid overload but is not specific to orthopnea.
C. Orthopnea is the discomfort or difficulty in breathing that occurs when lying flat. Asking the client how many pillows are used to sleep at night helps determine if they need to be propped up to breathe comfortably, which is a key indicator of orthopnea.
D. Auscultating breath sounds while supine can provide valuable information but does not directly assess for orthopnea.
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