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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing fluid and fiber intake is one of the first steps in managing constipation in elderly patients. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and makes it easier to pass, while fluids help keep the stool soft.
Choice B rationale
While avoiding gas-producing foods may help with some digestive issues, it’s not specifically helpful for managing constipation.
Choice C rationale
While a stool softener can help relieve constipation, it’s usually considered after dietary changes have been tried without success.
Choice D rationale
Physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements and is often recommended as part of constipation management. However, it’s not the first step, and its effectiveness can depend on the individual’s overall health and mobility.
Question 31.
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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