The nurse is monitoring a patient recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
Which finding is most concerning?
Absence of bowel sounds
A centimeter spot of bloody drainage on the dressing
Abdomen rigid on palpation
Pain at the operative site .
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Absence of bowel sounds can be a normal finding post-operatively and is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
A small amount of bloody drainage on the dressing is not uncommon after surgery and is not typically a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
A rigid abdomen on palpation is a concerning finding after an appendectomy. It could indicate peritonitis, a serious infection of the abdominal cavity that can occur if the appendix burst before or during surgery.
Choice D rationale
Pain at the operative site is expected after an appendectomy. However, severe or increasing pain could indicate a complication and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Moderate sedation is commonly used for colonoscopies. It provides adequate comfort and relaxation for the patient during the procedure, while allowing them to breathe on their own.
Choice B rationale
Local anesthesia is not typically used for colonoscopies. It numbs a specific area of the body and would not provide sufficient comfort or relaxation for a colonoscopy.
Choice C rationale
Regional anesthesia, such as spinal or epidural anesthesia, is not typically used for colonoscopies. It blocks pain in a larger area of the body than local anesthesia, but is more commonly used for surgeries rather than diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies.
Choice D rationale
General anesthesia is rarely used for colonoscopies. It causes complete unconsciousness and is typically reserved for more invasive or lengthy surgical procedures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a sore throat can be a side effect of an upper endoscopy, it is not the priority for monitoring after the procedure.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal bloating can occur after an upper endoscopy, but it is not the priority for monitoring.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the return of the gag reflex is a priority after an upper endoscopy. The gag reflex may be impaired due to the use of local anesthetics during the procedure. An impaired gag reflex increases the risk of aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Belching can occur after an upper endoscopy, but it is not the priority for monitoring
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