Four hours after major abdominal surgery, the nurse notes that the patient does not have any bowel sounds. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale:

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Sitz baths are a common and effective treatment for hemorrhoids because they can help to:

Reduce inflammation and pain Promote healing

Relax the anal sphincter muscles Cleanse the anal area

Warm water helps to increase blood flow to the area, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. The water also helps to soothe and cleanse the irritated tissues.

Sitz baths are typically taken for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. They can be taken in a bathtub or a special sitz bath basin that fits over a toilet seat.

Choice B rationale:

A fractured right arm would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.

Choice C rationale:

An abscessed tooth would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.

Choice D rationale:

Painful back muscle spasms would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.

Choice A rationale:

STAT orders are urgent and require immediate action. They are typically used for life-threatening situations or when a rapid response is needed to prevent serious harm. In this case, an EKG is important for patients admitted to the cardiac unit, but it is not necessarily an urgent procedure that requires immediate action in all cases.

STAT orders are often given verbally or over the phone, and they are typically written in all capital letters with the word "STAT" prominently displayed.

Examples of STAT orders include medications for cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory distress, or emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.

Choice B rationale:

PRN orders are "as needed" orders, meaning they are only carried out when a specific condition or symptom arises. They are not routinely implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting.

PRN orders allow for flexibility in treatment plans and can help to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, or other symptoms that may fluctuate over time.

Examples of PRN orders include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, or sedatives.

Choice C rationale:

One-time orders are administered only once and are not repeated. They are often used for procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications that are not required on an ongoing basis.

In this case, an EKG is typically a one-time order for patients outside of the cardiac unit, but it becomes a standing order for patients admitted to the cardiac unit due to the increased importance of cardiac monitoring in this setting.

Examples of one-time orders include a chest X-ray, a blood draw, or a dose of antibiotics.

Choice D rationale:

Standing orders are routine orders that are implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting, unless otherwise specified. They are designed to provide consistent and standardized care, and they often reflect best practices or guidelines for a specific patient population.

Standing orders can help to streamline care processes, reduce the need for individual orders, and ensure that patients receive necessary treatments or interventions without delay.

In this case, the standing order for an EKG upon admission to the cardiac unit ensures that all patients receive this important cardiac assessment, even if the ordering provider does not specifically write an order for it.

Other examples of standing orders in a cardiac unit might include daily weights, regular vital sign checks, or administration of cardiac medications.