The circulating nurse notices that an incorrect sponge count has been reported by the scrub nurse during an abdominal surgery. What action should be taken by the circulating nurse?

Notify anesthesia personnel.

Notify surgeon immediately.

Notify risk management.

Notify operating room supervisor.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

This is the correct answer. This is to prevent the risk of leaving a foreign object inside the patient, which can cause serious complications such as infection, abscess, bowel obstruction, or perforation.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect. Notifying anesthesia personnel is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. Anesthesia personnel are not responsible for counting or searching for sponges, and they cannot intervene in the surgical procedure without the surgeon's consent. The surgeon is the one who needs to be informed first, as they have the authority and ability to search the wound and decide whether to continue or stop the surgery.

Choice C reason:

This is incorrect. Notifying risk management is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. Risk management is a department that deals with identifying, assessing, and minimizing potential hazards in health care settings. While it is important to report any adverse events or errors to risk management, this should be done after ensuring the patient's safety and resolving the issue. The priority is to notify the surgeon and search for the missing sponge.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect. Notifying operating room supervisor is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. The operating room supervisor is a person who oversees the daily operations of the surgical suite, such as staffing, scheduling, equipment, and supplies. While they may be involved in addressing any problems or conflicts that arise in the OR, they are not directly responsible for counting or searching for sponges, and they cannot interfere with the surgical procedure without the surgeon's consent. The priority is to notify the surgeon and search for the missing sponge.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The nurse should call for assistance and stay with the client because the client is likely experiencing wound evisceration, which is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Wound evisceration is the protrusion of bowel through an abdominal incision, and it can occur 4 to 5 days postoperatively following an increase in strain on the incision, such as from turning, coughing, sneezing, or vomiting. Clients often report feeling something has "popped”. or opened in the wound, followed by severe pain and a sensation of wetness. The nurse should not leave the client alone or attempt to reinsert the bowel.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should not remove the dressing to assess the wound because this could increase the risk of infection and further injury to the wound. The nurse should cover the wound with a nonadherent dressing moistened with warm sterile normal saline to protect the wound from contamination and drying. Removing the dressing could also cause more pain and bleeding to the client.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should not cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline because this could cause maceration of the skin and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should use a nonadherent dressing moistened with warm sterile normal saline to prevent adherence to the wound and allow for drainage. Sterile towels could also be too bulky and heavy for the wound.

Choice D reason:

The nurse should not assess vital signs as the first action because this would delay the urgent care needed for the client. The nurse should call for assistance and stay with the client while covering the wound with a nonadherent dressing moistened with warm sterile normal saline. Assessing vital signs can be done after securing help and stabilizing the wound. Vital signs may show signs of shock, such as hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and pallor. A) Call for assistance and stay with client. B) Remove dressing to assess wound. C) Cover wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline. D) Assess vital signs.

A. "I understand how you feel, but staying in bed can cause complications.” B. "You need to get out of bed at least three times a day to prevent blood clots.” C. "Let me give you some pain medication and then we can try getting up.” D. "Getting out of bed will help you heal faster and reduce your pain.” E. "Why don't you want to get out of bed? Are you afraid of something?".

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

This response is not appropriate because it does not acknowledge the patient's pain or offer any pain relief. It also sounds dismissive and unsympathetic to the patient's feelings. A better response would be to empathize with the patient and explain the benefits and risks of early mobilization in a respectful way.

Choice B reason:

This response is not appropriate because it does not address the patient's pain or provide any pain relief. It also sounds demanding and authoritarian, which may increase the patient's anxiety and resistance. A better response would be to collaborate with the patient and set realistic and individualized goals for mobility.

Choice C reason:

This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the patient's pain and offers a solution to reduce it. It also shows respect for the patient's autonomy and readiness by suggesting rather than ordering to get up. It also implies that the nurse will assist and support the patient during the activity.

Choice D reason:

This response is appropriate because it provides positive reinforcement and education to the patient. It explains how early mobilization can enhance wound healing and decrease pain by improving blood circulation, preventing complications, and restoring function.

Choice E reason:

This response is not appropriate because it sounds accusatory and judgmental. It may make the patient feel defensive or guilty for expressing their pain or reluctance. A better response would be to explore the patient's concerns and fears in a non-threatening way and provide reassurance and information as needed.

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The circulating nurse notices that an incorrect sponge count has been reported by the scrub nurse during an abdominal surgery. What action should be taken by the circulating nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who had abdominal surgery reports feeling "a pop”. in his incisional area followed by severe pain when he turned in bed earlier in his shift; he now reports feeling "wet”. in his abdominal area under his gown and dressing. The nurse should:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who had surgery yesterday tells the nurse, "I don't want to get out of bed because it hurts too much.” Which responses by the nurse are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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The circulating nurse notices that an incorrect sponge count has been reported by the scrub nurse during an abdominal surgery. What action should be taken by the circulating nurse?