The nurse is providing care for a patient who had surgical repair of a paraesophageal (rolling) hernia. The nurse observes that the patient is having difficulty swallowing during the first postoperative meal.What action should the nurse take?
Assure the patient the problem is temporary.
Cut the food into small pieces.
Report the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP).
Offer the patient liquids instead.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Assuring the patient that the problem is temporary may not be accurate. Postoperative dysphagia could indicate a complication from the surgery, such as the stomach fundus being wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction. It’s important to not dismiss the patient’s concerns without proper assessment.
Choice B rationale
Cutting the food into small pieces might help the patient swallow easier, but it does not address the underlying issue. The patient’s difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of a serious problem that needs medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP) is the correct action. After the repair of a paraesophageal hernia, dysphagia should be reported to the HCP. The corrective fundoplication surgery may have the stomach fundus wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction.
Choice D rationale
Offering the patient liquids instead might alleviate the symptom temporarily, but it does not solve the potential problem. The healthcare provider needs to be informed about the dysphagia to assess and treat the possible complication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A high fiber diet is not typically recommended for a client diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. High fiber foods can potentially exacerbate diarrhea and other symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While a low fat diet can be beneficial in many health conditions, it is not specifically recommended for a client diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis.
Choice C rationale
A low fiber diet is typically recommended for a client diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. Low fiber foods are easier to digest and can help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea.
Choice D rationale
A high carbohydrate diet is not typically recommended for a client diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. High carbohydrate foods can potentially exacerbate diarrhea and other symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It typically causes severe, cramping pain that is constant and usually located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice B rationale
While diarrhea can occur with diverticulitis, it is not the primary symptom used to describe the pain associated with this condition.
Choice C rationale
Sudden onset of pain is not typically associated with diverticulitis. The pain from diverticulitis is usually constant and located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
Pain located in the right lower quadrant is more commonly associated with conditions such as appendicitis, not diverticulitis.
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