The nurse cannot auscultate bowel sounds during the assessment of a client who has had a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four days ago. The client is complaining of severe abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible

Administer the PRN stool softener to the client

Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction

Report the assessment findings to the surgeon

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible

Paralytic ileus can occur postoperatively, but sudden severe pain and distension indicate a more serious issue, such as bowel infarction.

B. Administer the PRN stool softener to the client

A stool softener is inappropriate if the client has a possible bowel obstruction or ischemia.

C. Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction

An NG tube may help relieve distension, but it does not treat the underlying cause. The priority is to notify the surgeon.

D. Report the assessment findings to the surgeon

Absent bowel sounds, severe pain, and distension suggest bowel ischemia, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical intervention.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Decrease chest pain is important but not the highest priority. Managing pain can help with breathing, but oxygenation is the primary concern.

B. Reduce the client's anxiety is secondary to physiological needs. Anxiety can worsen dyspnea, but addressing oxygenation first is more critical.

C. Maintain adequate circulating volume is a priority if there is hemorrhage, but the question does not indicate bleeding. Oxygenation takes precedence in this case.

D. Maintain adequate oxygenation is the priority. Chest trauma can lead to pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, or other complications that can impair gas exchange. Ensuring adequate oxygenation prevents hypoxia and respiratory failure, which are life-threatening.

A. Vocalization, strength, and pupillary response and accommodation B. Eye opening. verbal response, and motor response C. Pupillary reaction, eye opening, and motor response D. Motor response. sensory response, and level of consciousness

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Vocalization, strength, and pupillary response and accommodation are not components of GCS. Strength testing is part of a motor exam, and pupillary response is part of a cranial nerve assessment.

B. Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response are the three components of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which assesses a client’s neurological status and level of consciousness.

C. Pupillary reaction, eye opening, and motor response is incorrect because pupillary reaction is not a component of the GCS.

D. Motor response, sensory response, and level of consciousness is incorrect because sensory response is not a part of the GCS.

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The nurse cannot auscultate bowel sounds during the assessment of a client who has had a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four days ago. The client is complaining of severe abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A young adult is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash. The client has severe pain in the right chest due to impact with the steering wheel. Which is the priority client goal?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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