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 C

Explanation

A. Crush the medication and administer it through the tube: Crushing sustained-release medications can disrupt their intended release mechanism, leading to potential overdose or ineffective treatment.
B. Provide the medication orally for the client to swallow: This option is not suitable since the client has a gastrostomy tube, and oral administration is not appropriate.
C. Ask the healthcare provider to prescribe the medication as an elixir for tube administration: This is the correct approach, as an elixir form of the medication would be appropriate for administration through the gastrostomy tube without altering its release properties.
D. Dissolve the medication in water and administer it through the tube: Dissolving sustained-release tablets can compromise their intended release mechanism, which may lead to complications.

A. Increased cardiac output B. An increase in GI motility and absorption C. Constant snacking between meals that results in obesity D. Living alone on a fixed income

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Increased cardiac output: In older adults, cardiac output typically decreases, not increases, and this has a minor impact on nutritional status.
B. An increase in GI motility and absorption: GI motility and absorption generally decrease with age, not increase, which can affect nutritional status.
C. Constant snacking between meals that results in obesity: Obesity is less common in healthy older adults compared to issues related to malnutrition or economic factors.
D. Living alone on a fixed income: This can significantly impact nutritional status due to potential financial constraints affecting food availability and quality.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is D

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