The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) who is post op thymectomy. The client problem is Ineffective Breathing Pattern, Which action would the nurse include in the plan of care?
Assess lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours
Assess and document pain level once every shift
Maintain sequential compression device (SCD's) while in bed
Elevate the head of the bed ten degrees
The Correct Answer is A
A) Assess lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours:
In a patient with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) who has undergone thymectomy, monitoring respiratory status is critical. MG is a neuromuscular disorder that can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which may be exacerbated post-operatively. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory compromise, including hypoventilation or atelectasis.
B) Assess and document pain level once every shift:
While pain assessment is important, especially after a thymectomy, this action alone does not directly address the immediate issue of ineffective breathing patterns. In patients with MG, respiratory complications are a priority concern. Pain management should be part of the overall plan of care, but it is secondary to monitoring respiratory function in the acute post-operative period. Pain can affect respiratory effort, but it should be managed in the context of more pressing issues like airway and breathing assessment.
C) Maintain sequential compression device (SCD's) while in bed:
While SCDs are important in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients who are immobile, they are not the most appropriate intervention for a client with ineffective breathing patterns. The primary concern in a post-thymectomy patient with MG is respiratory function.
D) Elevate the head of the bed ten degrees:
While elevating the head of the bed can help with comfort and potentially improve ventilation in some patients, it is not the most specific or effective intervention for managing ineffective breathing patterns in a patient with MG. For optimal respiratory function, it is typically more beneficial to elevate the head of the bed to a higher degree (e.g., 30-45 degrees) to enhance lung expansion, rather than just 10 degrees.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Provide honest answers to the client’s questions:
Providing honest answers to the client's questions is essential in promoting comfort, especially when they have a new diagnosis of bladder cancer. Patients often experience anxiety and uncertainty when facing a new diagnosis, so being open and transparent with information can help alleviate fears and build trust.
B) Avoid eye contact with the client during care:
Avoiding eye contact with the client can contribute to feelings of isolation and discomfort. Eye contact is an important form of non-verbal communication that can help establish a rapport and show empathy. Avoiding eye contact could make the client feel rejected or neglected, which would increase their anxiety and distress.
C) Provide limited explanations of procedures needed for care:
Providing limited explanations of procedures may leave the client feeling more confused or fearful about what is happening. While it's important to avoid overwhelming the patient with too much information, clear and concise explanations about procedures and treatments are essential to reduce anxiety and help the patient feel more in control of the situation.
D) Avoid giving the client choices regarding their care:
Avoiding giving the patient choices can make them feel powerless, which can increase feelings of anxiety and frustration. Offering choices when appropriate allows the patient to feel more in control of their care, which can reduce stress and enhance their sense of autonomy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Intestines:
While abdominal trauma can affect the intestines, Kehr's sign, Cullen's sign, and Gray Turner's sign are more commonly associated with damage to the spleen rather than the intestines. Kehr's sign, in particular, is a hallmark of splenic injury, with pain referred to the left shoulder due to diaphragmatic irritation from blood in the peritoneum.
B) Liver:
Liver injuries often present with right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. While liver injuries can cause internal bleeding, Cullen's and Gray Turner's signs are more closely associated with retroperitoneal bleeding from the spleen rather than liver injuries. Kehr's sign, which is left-sided shoulder pain, would not typically indicate a liver injury.
C) Spleen:
The spleen is the most likely abdominal organ affected in this case due to the left-sided rib fractures. When the spleen is injured (often as a result of blunt trauma), it can cause intraperitoneal hemorrhage. This bleeding can irritate the diaphragm, leading to Kehr's sign, which presents as left shoulder pain. Additionally, Cullen's sign (periumbilical bruising) and Gray Turner's sign (flank bruising) are indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding, which can occur with splenic rupture or laceration.
D) Stomach:
While stomach injuries can occur with blunt abdominal trauma, they are less likely to cause the signs and symptoms seen in this patient (Kehr's, Cullen's, and Gray Turner's signs). Stomach trauma typically leads to pain and potential perforation, but it doesn't often cause the peritoneal bleeding patterns seen with splenic injuries.
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