The nurse is providing postoperative care for a male client who had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 4 hours ago and has continuous irrigation.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to monitor the client for fluid overload?
Assess for hypotension.
Assess for distention above the pubis area.
Monitor the client's laboratory values for hypernatremia.
Maintain strict intake and output records.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hypotension is not a typical sign of fluid overload. Fluid overload often presents with hypertension due to increased circulatory volume. Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but hypotension does not reliably indicate fluid overload. This option does not align with scientific understanding of fluid overload symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Distention above the pubis area suggests urinary retention or bladder distension rather than fluid overload. While important to assess, it does not directly indicate fluid overload. This symptom is more related to mechanical issues than systemic fluid imbalance and volume overload.
Choice C rationale
Hypernatremia is not a sign of fluid overload. Fluid overload typically results in dilutional hyponatremia, where excessive fluids lower sodium levels. Monitoring sodium levels is useful, but hypernatremia would suggest dehydration or other conditions, not excess fluid volume. This choice is inconsistent with scientific knowledge.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining strict intake and output records is a fundamental approach to monitoring fluid balance. Accurate measurements of fluid intake and output help detect fluid overload early. This method directly correlates with assessing excess fluid volume in clinical practice. It is a reliable, evidence-based intervention for monitoring fluid status. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restricting sodium intake is essential as high sodium levels can increase fluid retention, leading to elevated blood pressure. A low-sodium diet reduces the workload on blood vessels and decreases the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension. The recommended sodium intake for adults should be less than 2,300 mg per day, and ideally closer to 1,500 mg daily for optimal blood pressure control.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension can lead to damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, resulting in hypertensive retinopathy. Stressing ophthalmic care ensures early detection and management of vision changes that may be indicative of ongoing vascular damage. Regular ophthalmologic evaluation aids in preventing irreversible vision loss and allows better management of systemic hypertension's effects on ocular health.
Choice C rationale
Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium and relaxes blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is widely recommended for individuals with hypertension to promote cardiovascular health and regulate blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Taking prescribed medications as ordered ensures consistent management of blood pressure and prevention of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. Antihypertensive medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics, work through various mechanisms to lower blood pressure. Adherence prevents fluctuations and maintains target levels of less than 140/90 mmHg.
Choice E rationale
Not taking medication when blood pressure is less than 140/90 mmHg is incorrect because hypertension management requires consistent medication to maintain target levels and prevent rebound hypertension. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to complications such as severe hypertensive episodes and organ damage. Regular monitoring is crucial to guide therapy adjustments safely.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Malaise is more associated with systemic conditions, such as upper urinary tract infections or generalized illness, rather than isolated lower urinary tract infections. Lower UTIs tend to present with localized urinary symptoms rather than systemic effects.
Choice B rationale
Chills suggest systemic involvement and are characteristic of pyelonephritis or upper urinary tract infections. Lower UTIs typically do not produce systemic signs like chills, as the infection is confined to the bladder and urethra.
Choice C rationale
Dysuria is a classic symptom of lower UTIs. It results from inflammation of the bladder mucosa due to the presence of pathogenic organisms. The irritation of the urinary tract leads to painful or difficult urination, confirming the diagnosis of lower UTI.
Choice D rationale
High fever, like chills, is indicative of upper urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis. Lower UTIs are generally afebrile, presenting more with localized urinary symptoms rather than systemic manifestations.
Choice E rationale
Urinary frequency is another hallmark symptom of lower UTIs, caused by bladder irritation. The infection leads to an increased urge to urinate, even when little urine is produced. This symptom is specific to lower UTIs and supports the diagnosis when present.
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