The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?

Provide the first medication prescribed for pain management.

Review medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations.

Wait until the client is awake before providing pain management.

Attempt to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Providing the first medication prescribed for pain management is the best intervention that the nurse can implement first, because it can prevent the escalation of pain and reduce the need for higher doses later. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as administering analgesics before pain becomes severe, using a multimodal approach, and individualizing the plan of care.

Choice B reason: Reviewing medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations is not a priority intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it may not reflect the current pain level or needs of the client. Pain tolerance is influenced by many factors, such as culture, age, gender, and previous experiences, and it may vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

Choice C reason: Waiting until the client is awake before providing pain management is not a recommended intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it can lead to inadequate pain relief and delayed recovery. The nurse should not assume that the client is not in pain because of sedation, but should use other indicators, such as vital signs, facial expressions, and body movements, to assess pain.

Choice D reason: Attempting to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client is not a feasible intervention that the nurse should implement first, because the client may not be able to respond due to sedation. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the client's condition, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), to measure pain.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Demonstrating the use of visual scanning during meals can help the client overcome the difficulty with visual perception, which is a common problem after a CVA. Visual perception is the ability to interpret and process the information received from the eyes. A CVA can damage the parts of the brain that are responsible for visual perception, causing impairments such as hemianopia, neglect, or agnosia. Visual scanning is a technique that involves moving the eyes or the head from side to side to scan the entire visual field and compensate for the missing or distorted information. Visual scanning can help the client see all the food on the tray and eat more adequately.

Choice B reason: Explaining that weight loss will be reversed after the acute phase of the stroke has ended is not a helpful response to the family's concern, as it does not address the current issue of the client's nutritional status. Weight loss is a common complication of CVA, due to factors such as dysphagia, anorexia, depression, or medication side effects. Weight loss can affect the client's recovery, immunity, and quality of life. Weight loss may or may not be reversed after the acute phase of the stroke, depending on the client's condition, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Choice C reason: Suggesting that the family bring foods from home that the client enjoys eating is not a sufficient response to the family's concern, as it does not address the underlying cause of the client's poor intake. The client's difficulty with visual perception may prevent her from seeing or recognizing the food, regardless of whether it is from the hospital or from home. The family should also consider the client's dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences before bringing any food from home.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the family to offer to feed the client when she does not eat her entire meal is not an appropriate response to the family's concern, as it may undermine the client's autonomy and dignity. The client's difficulty with visual perception may not affect her ability to feed herself, as long as she can see the food and the utensils. The family should respect the client's independence and self-care, and only assist her when necessary. The family should also avoid forcing or coaxing the client to eat more than she wants, as this may cause discomfort or resentment.

A. Cleanse the tongue and mouth with swabs. B. Administer a topical analgesic per protocol. C. Obtain a soft diet for the client. D. Encourage frequent mouth care.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Cleaning the tongue and mouth with swabs is not the best initial nursing action, as it can cause more irritation and pain to the mucous membranes. Swabs can be abrasive and harsh on the inflamed and ulcerated tissues. The client should use a soft toothbrush or a sponge to gently clean the tongue and mouth, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes or rinses.

Choice B reason: Administering a topical analgesic per protocol is the best initial nursing action, as it can provide immediate relief and comfort to the client. Topical analgesics can numb the nerve endings and reduce the sensation of pain in the tongue and mouth. The client should follow the health care provider's instructions on how to apply the analgesic, and avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the application.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a soft diet for the client is a correct nursing action, but not the best initial one, as it can help prevent further trauma and damage to the mucous membranes. A soft diet consists of foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as soups, puddings, yogurts, and mashed potatoes. The client should avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, salty, or hard, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chips, and nuts.

Choice D reason: Encouraging frequent mouth care is a correct nursing action, but not the best initial one, as it can help prevent infection and promote healing of the mucous membranes. Frequent mouth care involves rinsing the mouth with water or saline solution several times a day, especially after meals and before bedtime. The client should also keep the lips moist with a lip balm or petroleum jelly.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older client who experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) has difficulty with visual perception and eats only half of the food on the meal tray. The client's family expresses concern about the client's nutritional status. How should the nurse respond to the family's concern?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with chemotherapy-induced mucositis who is describing soreness of the tongue and oral issues. Which is the best initial nursing action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client asks the nurse for information about how to reduce risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which information should the nurse provide?

To reduce the risk for pulmonary complications for a client with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)

A client is recovering from an episode of urinary tract calculi. During discharge teaching, the client asks about dietary restrictions. In discussing food intake, the nurse should include which type of fluid limitation?

While caring for a client with full-thickness burns covering 40% of the body, the nurse observes purulent drainage from the wounds. Before reporting this finding to the health care provider, the nurse should evaluate which laboratory value?

After teaching a client newly diagnosed with cholecystitis about recommended diet changes, the nurse evaluates the client's learning. Which food choices eliminated by the client indicate to the nurse that teaching has been successful?

An adult woman with Grave’s disease is admitted with severe dehydration and malnutrition. She is currently restless and refusing to eat. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?