The nurse is monitoring a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a hypophysectomy.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient’s plan of care?
Maintain nasal packing.
Monitor intake and output.
Provide frequent oral care.
Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Maintaining nasal packing is important after a hypophysectomy, especially if the surgery was performed through the nose (transnasal). However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)4.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring intake and output is a standard nursing intervention in the PACU. It helps assess the patient’s fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease following a hypophysectomy.
Choice C rationale
Providing frequent oral care is important for patient comfort and prevention of infections, but it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees is the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy. This position helps reduce swelling, decreases the risk of aspiration, and promotes effective breathing and drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The symptoms described - right-sided numbness and weakness in the arm and leg, along with a distinct droop on the right side of the face - are indicative of a stroke. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases. Initiating two large-bore IV catheters would allow for rapid administration of necessary medications and fluids. Reviewing the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is also important, as this type of therapy can help dissolve the clot causing the stroke and restore blood flow to the brain.
Choice B rationale
While continuous observation for transient episodes of neurological dysfunction is important in the care of a patient with suspected stroke, it is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure in a patient with a stroke. However, this is not the first course of action. Immediate medical intervention to treat the stroke is the priority.
Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with certain types of stroke. However, aspirin is not typically the first line treatment in the acute phase of a stroke, especially when the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) has not yet been determined.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sudden onset of confusion in an older adult could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause delirium and behavioral changes in older adults. Therefore, asking if the client is experiencing any pain with urination could help identify a potential UTI.
Choice B rationale
While high protein foods are generally beneficial for health, there is no direct link between increased intake of high protein foods and sudden onset of confusion. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the client’s current food and medication allergies is always important in healthcare settings. However, it may not directly address the sudden onset of confusion unless the client has had a recent change in diet or medication that could have triggered an allergic reaction leading to confusion.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially cause a sudden change in mental status due to a head injury or other trauma. Therefore, determining if the client has recently experienced a fall is an appropriate action.
Choice E rationale
Fever can cause confusion, especially in older adults. Therefore, providing instruction on taking the client’s temperature can help the caregiver monitor for signs of infection that could be contributing to the client’s confusion.
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