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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis without compensation: The pH of 7.22 indicates acidosis, but the HCO3 level of 23 mEq/L suggests that compensation is occurring because the HCO3 is within the normal range for respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis with full compensation: The high PaCO2 level is more indicative of respiratory issues, not metabolic acidosis. Additionally, compensation for metabolic acidosis would show elevated HCO3.
C. Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate respiratory acidosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
D. Metabolic acidosis without compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis.

A. Absence of the client's gag reflex B. The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8) C. Loss of sensation at the 5th lumbar space D. The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Absence of the client's gag reflex: This finding is not typically related to spinal anesthesia complications. The gag reflex is more pertinent to general anesthesia and its effects on the brainstem.
B. The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8): This is the correct choice. A low respiratory rate (bradypnea) could indicate significant complications from spinal anesthesia, such as respiratory depression, especially if the anesthesia affects the muscles involved in respiration.
C. Loss of sensation at the 5th lumbar space: This could be a normal effect of spinal anesthesia if the level of anesthesia was intended to cover this area, but it does not necessarily indicate a complication.
D. The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline: A slight change in blood pressure within this range is generally not considered a severe complication of spinal anesthesia. Significant hypotension or instability would be more concerning.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An unresponsive client was brought to the emergency room and had an arterial blood gas drawn. Ten minutes later, the laboratory calls with the following results: PaO2 74%, pH 7.22, PaCO2 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse interprets the results as indicating which imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During a preoperative review of systems, the client reveals a history of renal disease. This finding suggests the need for which relevant preoperative diagnostic tests?

The nurse is caring for a client being treated for fluid volume excess. Which assessment finding indicates that treatment has been effective?

A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Which nursing intervention is most important to help prevent aspiration?

When planning nutritional interventions for a healthy 83-year-old man, the nurse recognizes what factor is most likely to affect his nutritional status?

A client has been receiving IV potassium therapy. Upon further assessment, the nurse notes the site has become erythematous and edematous. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Which of the following assessment findings should alert the nurse that a client's IV has infiltrated? (Select All That Apply)

The client is NPO and is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a peripherally inserted central catheter. Which precautions should the nurse implement? (Select All That Apply)