The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Tympanic temperature 99.2° F (37.3° C)

Fine crackles audible at both lung bases

200 mL sanguineous fluid in the wound drain

Redness and swelling along the suture line

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Excessive sanguineous fluid in the drain could indicate active bleeding or a hematoma formation, which are significant concerns after surgery. It should be reported to allow for appropriate intervention to prevent shock

A. A slight elevation in temperature can be expected in the immediate postoperative period due to the body's response to surgery (surgical stress response).

B. Fine crackles indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs, which could suggest complications such as pulmonary edema or atelectasis. While this finding warrants monitoring and intervention, it may not be the most critical issue to report to the surgeon in this context.

D. Redness and swelling along the suture line can indicate inflammation or infection at the surgical site. This is a normal response of the tissues to trauma such as surgery.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, are a classic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. They typically appear on the upper chest, axilla (armpit), and conjunctiva of the eyes. Petechiae result from the occlusion of small blood vessels by fat globules, leading to microvascular bleeding.

A Paresthesia distal to the fracture site is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Instead, paresthesia may suggest nerve compression or injury related to the fracture itself rather than fat emboli.

B Fever is not a specific manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. While fever can occur with various types of infections or inflammatory conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of fat embolism.

C Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potential complication of lower limb fractures. However, it is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.

A. Emphasize that their spouse may push the pain button when they are uncomfortable B. Provide instructions on decreasing opioid doses by the second postoperative day. C. Teach the patient about how analgesics improve postoperative activity levels. D. Monitor for therapeutic and adverse effects of opioid administration. E. Assess for signs that the patient is becoming addicted to the opioid.

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

Explanation

C. Education about the benefits of pain management, including how analgesics can improve postoperative activity levels by reducing pain and discomfort, helps to promote the patient's understanding and engagement in their own care.

D. Nurses should closely monitor the patient for both therapeutic effects and adverse effects of opioid administration when using PCA or any other opioid analgesic. Regular assessment allows for prompt identification and management of any complications or side effects.

A. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is designed for the patient to self-administer pain medication according to their own needs and pain levels.

B. Opioid dosing should be individualized based on the patient's pain level and response to the medication. Some patients may require ongoing opioid analgesia for more than two days postoperatively, while others may be able to transition to alternative pain management strategies sooner.

E. Concerns about opioid addiction should not be assumed in all patients, especially those who have never received opioids before. Instead, the focus should be on assessing the patient's pain levels, response to pain medication, and any adverse effects.

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The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client who has a fractured femur about fat emboli syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as a manifestation of a fat embolism?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and in skeletal traction. When assessing the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A patient is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) with a blood pressure (BP) 122/72 mm Hg. Thirty minutes after admission, the BP is 114/62, with a pulse of 74 and warm, dry skin. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A nurse in a one-day surgery center is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a partial meniscectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the difference between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

An unconscious patient who was transferred from surgery to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 15 minutes ago has an oxygen saturation of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?

A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who has a greenstick fracture of the forearm. The nurse should explain that which of the following injuries has occurred with a greenstick fracture?