The nurse is rounding on a client who is 12 hours postoperative. Upon assessment, the client becomes tachycardic, hypotensive, and restless and complains of sudden chest pain. Which postoperative complication should the nurse conclude that the client most likely experienced?

Pulmonary embolism

Pneumonia

Hemorrhage

Myocardial infarction

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden onset of chest pain, tachycardia, hypotension, and restlessness, which aligns with the client's symptoms. It is a common postoperative complication due to immobility and potential hypercoagulability.
B. Pneumonia: Pneumonia typically develops more gradually and presents with fever, productive cough, and respiratory distress rather than sudden chest pain and hemodynamic instability. It is less likely in the immediate postoperative period.
C. Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage would also cause tachycardia and hypotension, but it would typically present with symptoms such as excessive bleeding, swelling at the surgical site, and pallor rather than chest pain.
D. Myocardial infarction: While myocardial infarction can cause chest pain, tachycardia, and hypotension, it is less likely in this scenario compared to a pulmonary embolism, given the timing and nature of the symptoms in the immediate postoperative period.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Maybe you are more depressed than you realize. Would you like to talk about it?": This response may dismiss the client's concerns and assumes depression without explaining the rationale for the medication.
B. "Depression is often a factor in pain. Treating the depression helps treat the pain.": While this may be true, it might not address the specific rationale for the antidepressant in managing nerve pain.
C. "Why don't you try it for a while, and if you don't feel better, you can ask your doctor if you can stop it?": This response lacks an explanation and may not address the client’s concerns about why the medication was prescribed.
D. "Antidepressants are sometimes used to manage the type of nerve pain you are experiencing.": This is the correct choice. It directly addresses the use of antidepressants for managing neuropathic pain, which can be effective even in the absence of depression.

A. Kidney conservation of bicarbonate and excretion of hydrogen ions B. Deep, rapid respirations to increase CO2 excretion C. Respiratory hypoventilation to retain CO2 and kidney excretion of bicarbonate D. Shifting of bicarbonate into cells in exchange for chloride

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Kidney conservation of bicarbonate and excretion of hydrogen ions: This option is not correct for metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the kidneys would typically excrete bicarbonate rather than conserve it.
B. Deep, rapid respirations to increase CO2 excretion: This is incorrect because deep, rapid respirations are more associated with compensating for metabolic acidosis by increasing CO2 excretion. In metabolic alkalosis, the body attempts to retain CO2.
C. Respiratory hypoventilation to retain CO2 and kidney excretion of bicarbonate: This is the correct choice. In metabolic alkalosis, the body compensates by reducing respiration rate (hypoventilation) to retain CO2, which helps to counteract the elevated pH. Additionally, the kidneys may excrete bicarbonate to balance the pH.
D. Shifting of bicarbonate into cells in exchange for chloride: This mechanism is more related to respiratory alkalosis rather than metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the primary compensatory mechanisms involve changes in respiratory rate and renal bicarbonate excretion.

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The nurse is rounding on a client who is 12 hours postoperative. Upon assessment, the client becomes tachycardic, hypotensive, and restless and complains of sudden chest pain. Which postoperative complication should the nurse conclude that the client most likely experienced?

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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