A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The nurse discovers a loop of bowel protruding through an opening in the surgical incision. What should the nurse do?
Gently reinsert the bowel back into the patient’s wound.
Place the head of the patient’s bed in the flat position.
Apply moistened sterile gauze to the site.
Position the patient on his left side.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Gently reinserting the bowel back into the patient’s wound is not recommended. This could cause further harm to the patient.
Choice B rationale
Placing the head of the patient’s bed in the flat position is not the best action. This position may not provide the necessary comfort or safety for the patient.
Choice C rationale
Applying moistened sterile gauze to the site is the correct action. This helps to protect the protruding bowel and prevent further contamination until surgical intervention can be performed.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient on his left side is not the best action in this situation. It does not directly address the issue of the protruding bowel.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The priority nursing action for a patient in labor with an epidural anesthesia block and a blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg is to place the patient in a lateral position. This can help improve maternal blood flow and fetal oxygenation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The priority action for a nurse when caring for a patient exhibiting symptoms of a myocardial infarction is to initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is crucial because it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can help reduce the heart’s workload and relieve pain. This intervention is aimed at reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving oxygen supply to the ischemic myocardium.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a blood sample is important as it can help diagnose a myocardial infarction. Blood tests can measure levels of certain proteins, such as troponins, in the bloodstream that can indicate heart muscle damage. However, this is not the immediate priority when compared to initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice C rationale
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is an important step in the assessment of a patient with suspected myocardial infarction. An ECG can show whether the heart muscle has been damaged and where the damage has occurred. However, this should be done after initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale
Inserting an IV catheter is a necessary step in the management of a myocardial infarction. It allows for the administration of medications and fluids as needed. However, it is not the first priority. The first priority is to stabilize the patient, which includes initiating oxygen therapy.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.