The nurse is caring for a client after receiving extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor the client for signs of hemorrhage.
Monitor the incision site for signs of infection.
Monitor the client's urine for sand or gravel.
Monitor the percutaneous nephrostomy tube for signs of obstruction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Hemorrhage is not a typical complication of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), as it is a non-invasive procedure targeting kidney stones using shock waves. The risk of significant bleeding is minimal, and monitoring focuses more on urinary changes or localized pain rather than hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
ESWL does not involve surgical incisions, so there is no incision site to monitor for infection. This action is irrelevant to the procedure's mechanism, which uses external shock waves to fragment stones rather than invasive surgical methods.
Choice C rationale
Sand or gravel in the urine is a common finding after ESWL as the procedure fragments kidney stones into smaller particles. These fragments are excreted through the urinary system. Monitoring urine for these particles helps evaluate the procedure's effectiveness and ensure stones are adequately eliminated.
Choice D rationale
Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes are used for urinary drainage but are not a standard component of ESWL. Monitoring for tube obstruction applies to invasive procedures, whereas ESWL focuses on non-invasive stone fragmentation. This action is unrelated to the client's current treatment modality. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking about medication use for headaches provides insights into pain management strategies but does not directly address underlying causes of symptoms. Vision changes and headaches may indicate neurological or cardiovascular issues, which require immediate investigation of vital signs like blood pressure to rule out hypertension or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Referring the client to an eye specialist addresses vision changes but neglects the acute nature of headaches. Hypertension or elevated intracranial pressure can affect both vision and cause headaches, and immediate assessment of these factors through blood pressure is more urgent.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining blood pressure evaluates for hypertension, which can manifest with headaches and visual disturbances due to increased arterial pressure affecting cerebral and ocular vessels. Normal blood pressure ranges are typically 120/80 mmHg. Immediate blood pressure measurement prioritizes acute care and mitigates potentially life-threatening conditions.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a full history and physical is valuable for comprehensive care but delays immediate assessment of critical symptoms such as visual changes and headaches. Measuring blood pressure provides faster evaluation of acute conditions like hypertensive crisis or stroke risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A low sodium, high-calorie diet does not directly address severe pain caused by renal colic. Dietary interventions are long-term strategies for kidney health but are not immediate priorities for acute pain relief. Renal colic pain requires prompt management with pharmacological interventions to alleviate severe discomfort. Adjusting dietary intake may support prevention but would not resolve the acute symptoms, emphasizing that this is not the first-line measure for this clinical situation.
Choice B rationale
Increasing fluid intake to 3–4 L/day is beneficial for flushing out kidney stones and preventing further stone formation. However, this intervention does not directly alleviate severe pain experienced during an episode of renal colic. While adequate hydration is crucial for long-term management, acute pain demands immediate pharmacological relief. Therefore, fluid intake implementation is secondary when compared to pain management priorities.
Choice C rationale
Tamsulosin (Flomax) is an alpha-blocker that promotes the passage of kidney stones by relaxing the smooth muscles of the ureter. Although effective in expediting stone passage, it does not provide immediate pain relief for severe renal colic. Its role is valuable for the resolution of the obstruction but does not address acute symptoms. Administering pain medication remains a priority to manage distress caused by colic episodes.
Choice D rationale
Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that directly targets severe pain associated with renal colic. It binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, producing analgesia and a calming effect. Its rapid onset and effectiveness in severe pain management make it the first prescription to implement. Pain relief improves the client's comfort and allows for addressing underlying causes of colic after stabilizing acute distress.
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