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
A. Have the client lay prone for 30 minutes. 3-4 times a day:
This statement is correct. Lying prone (on the stomach) for 30 minutes several times a day helps to prevent hip flexion contractures, which are common complications after an above-the-knee amputation. By lying prone, the residual limb is stretched and the hip joint is kept in an extended position, which helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of contractures. This is a key part of postoperative care to promote optimal positioning and rehabilitation.
B. Continue using the limb prosthesis even if the skin appears irritated:
This statement is incorrect. If the skin becomes irritated or damaged, the prosthesis should not be used until the skin has healed. Continued use of the prosthesis in the presence of skin irritation can cause further damage, leading to ulcers or infections. It is essential to regularly check the residual limb for irritation, redness, or sores and adjust the prosthesis as needed. If irritation is present, the prosthesis should be removed, and appropriate skin care should be provided.
C. Withhold medication for phantom limb pain as it isn't real pain:
This statement is incorrect. Phantom limb pain is real and a common experience for individuals after an amputation. It occurs when the brain perceives pain sensations in the area where the limb used to be, even though the limb is no longer there. Phantom limb pain is often treated with pain medications, including analgesics, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants, and should not be withheld. Proper management of phantom limb pain is important for the client's comfort and overall well-being.
D. Keep the residual limb elevated to achieve as close to 90-degree hip flexion as possible:
This statement is incorrect. While it is important to elevate the residual limb after surgery to reduce swelling, it should not be elevated to the point where the hip joint is flexed to 90 degrees. Elevating the limb too much or for prolonged periods can increase the risk of developing a hip flexion contracture, which would impair mobility. The residual limb should be elevated slightly, but the hip joint should not be excessively flexed. Ideally, the limb should be positioned in a neutral or extended position when elevated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "The test will use a catheter to assess for blocked coronary arteries": This statement is incorrect. An echocardiogram does not involve the use of a catheter. It is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart's structure and function. Assessing for blocked coronary arteries typically requires a different procedure, such as a coronary angiogram, which involves the use of a catheter.
B) "The test can show how well your heart pumps blood.": This is the correct statement. An echocardiogram is primarily used to assess how well the heart is functioning, including how effectively it pumps blood. It can provide detailed images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping to evaluate conditions such as heart failure, valve dysfunction, and other structural issues that may impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
C) "The test will show proteins in the blood from damaged heart muscle.": This statement is incorrect. An echocardiogram does not measure blood proteins or markers from damaged heart muscle. Blood tests, such as troponin levels, are used to detect proteins released from heart muscle after injury, such as in a heart attack. The echocardiogram focuses on the heart's structure and function, not the chemical markers in the blood.
D) "The test shows the electrical activity of the heart from multiple angles.": This statement is inaccurate. The electrical activity of the heart is assessed by an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), not an echocardiogram. An ECG records the heart's electrical signals, while an echocardiogram uses sound waves to visualize the heart's anatomical structure and function.
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