The nurse is assessing a client in the immediate post-operative setting. Which of the following finding requires priority intervention to prevent long-term complications?
Patient's refusal to cough, deep breathe, and use their incentive spirometer due to pain
Urine output of 40 mL/hr and clear yellow after having their Foley catheter removed
Patient ambulating short distances and performing range of motion exercises alter pain is controlled
Hypoactive bowel sounds 2 hours post-operative.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Patient's refusal to cough, deep breathe, and use their incentive spirometer due to pain:
The patient’s refusal to perform these respiratory exercises could lead to serious complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues. Coughing, deep breathing, and using the incentive spirometer are essential to prevent postoperative respiratory complications, especially if the patient is at higher risk for lung issues due to immobility or anesthesia. This needs immediate intervention to ensure the patient understands the importance of these activities and to address the pain issue, potentially with additional pain management or support.
B) Urine output of 40 mL/hr and clear yellow after having their Foley catheter removed:
A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within normal limits for a post-operative patient, and the clear yellow color indicates that the urine is not concentrated or indicative of infection. While monitoring urine output is important postoperatively, this finding suggests adequate renal function and does not indicate an immediate risk for long-term complications.
C) Patient ambulating short distances and performing range of motion exercises after pain is controlled:
Early ambulation and range of motion exercises are encouraged after surgery to promote circulation, prevent blood clots, and support overall recovery. It indicates that the patient is progressing in their recovery and actively participating in post-operative rehabilitation, which is a positive sign and does not need urgent intervention.
D) Hypoactive bowel sounds 2 hours post-operatively:
This is expected immediately after surgery, especially if the patient underwent abdominal surgery or received general anesthesia, which can temporarily reduce bowel motility. Hypoactive bowel sounds within the first few hours post-surgery are a normal response to anesthesia and do not require urgent intervention. The nurse should continue to monitor the patient’s bowel function, but this finding is not a priority in the immediate postoperative period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Midazolam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for the emergency treatment of seizures, including tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. It works by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, helping to stop seizure activity quickly. It can be administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or intranasally in emergencies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Intramuscular epinephrine:
Intramuscular epinephrine is typically used in cases of anaphylactic reactions, which present with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and hypotension. Flank and lower back pain are not typical signs of an anaphylactic reaction during a blood transfusion. Instead, flank pain may suggest a hemolytic reaction, which involves the destruction of red blood cells, not an allergic or anaphylactic response. Thus, epinephrine would not be the first-line treatment for this situation.
B. Intravenous corticosteroids:
Intravenous corticosteroids are often used for inflammatory reactions, such as in cases of autoimmune diseases or severe allergic reactions. While corticosteroids might be used for certain types of transfusion reactions, they are not the primary treatment for hemolytic reactions (which could cause flank and lower back pain). The primary goal in a transfusion reaction with flank pain is to manage potential hemolysis and prevent kidney damage, which would be addressed through hydration and other supportive measures.
C. High volume IV fluids:
High-volume IV fluids are the most appropriate immediate intervention for a client who is experiencing flank and lower back pain during a blood transfusion, which are signs of a potential hemolytic reaction. Hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells, can lead to kidney injury, so increasing fluid volume helps flush the kidneys, promote diuresis, and reduce the risk of kidney damage. The fluids also help to dilute any hemoglobin that is released into the bloodstream, supporting the kidneys' ability to filter it out. This is the priority intervention in this scenario.
D. PO diphenhydramine:
Oral diphenhydramine is used for allergic reactions, such as mild reactions involving itching, rashes, or hives, but it is not appropriate for managing more severe transfusion reactions, such as hemolytic reactions, that cause flank and lower back pain. Diphenhydramine would not address the underlying issue of potential hemolysis and kidney injury. Therefore, it is not the correct intervention for this situation.
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