The patient is a 65-year-old male admitted to the medical surgical unit after a total cholecystectomy.
He has a past medical history of hypertension, heart failure, type 1 diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, and cholangitis. Which physician orders would the nurse anticipate being prescribed after reporting findings? Select all that apply.

Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) prior to procedure.

Explain that the patient may be placed in five positions.

Perform the drainage immediately after meals.

Instruct the patient to breathe shallow and fast.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C

Choice B rationale:

Gravity Facilitates Drainage:

Positioning the patient strategically utilizes gravity to encourage the flow of fluids and secretions away from the surgical site. This aids in preventing fluid accumulation and potential infection.

Reduces Pressure on Surgical Site:

Certain positions can minimize pressure on the incision and internal organs, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.

This is particularly important for patients with comorbidities like hypertension and heart failure, as they may have impaired wound healing and be more susceptible to respiratory complications.

Enhances Respiratory Function:

Specific positions can improve lung expansion and ventilation, which is essential for patients with a history of heart failure or respiratory issues.

This helps prevent atelectasis (collapsed lung areas) and pneumonia, which are common postoperative risks.

Common Post-Cholecystectomy Positions:

Semi-Fowler's Position:

The head of the bed is elevated 30-45 degrees, with knees slightly bent.

This position eases breathing, reduces pressure on the incision, and promotes drainage of fluids. Right Side-Lying Position:

The patient lies on their right side with a pillow between their knees.

This position encourages drainage from the liver and gallbladder, aiding in bile flow. Left Side-Lying Position:

The patient lies on their left side with a pillow between their knees.

This position promotes drainage from the stomach and pancreas, assisting in digestion. Supine Position:

The patient lies flat on their back with a pillow under their knees.

This position may be used for short periods, but prolonged supine positioning can increase pressure on the incision and lungs. High Fowler's Position:

The head of the bed is elevated 60-90 degrees, with knees slightly bent.

This position is often used for patients with respiratory issues or difficulty breathing, as it improves lung expansion.

Choice C rationale:

Performing drainage immediately after meals aids in efficient removal of bile and gastric secretions, preventing complications such as:

Bile Reflux:

Delayed drainage can cause bile to back up into the stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Infection:

Accumulation of fluids in the surgical site can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Pancreatitis:

In rare cases, delayed drainage can cause inflammation of the pancreas due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct.

I'll address the rationales for choices A and D in the following sections.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A regular rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) is a common side effect of albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It's often expected after repeated doses. While it warrants monitoring, it doesn't necessarily require immediate intervention unless it becomes significantly elevated or causes other symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Increased anxiety can also accompany breathing difficulties and albuterol administration. It's crucial to address anxiety, but it's not the most urgent finding in this scenario. Calming techniques and reassurance can often help manage anxiety, while more severe cases might require additional interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Uncontrollable shaking (tremors) is a more serious side effect of albuterol, indicating excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It can progress to serious complications like seizures or cardiac events. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent these risks. Actions might include:

Holding the next albuterol dose Notifying the healthcare provider Monitoring vital signs closely

Administering medications to counteract the tremors, such as beta-blockers, if ordered

Choice D rationale:

Throat irritation is a possible side effect of albuterol, but it's generally mild and self-limiting. It doesn't typically warrant immediate intervention in the absence of other concerning symptoms.

A. Instruct the client to avoid foods with gluten, such as wheat bread. B. Describe the use of an elimination diet to find trigger foods. C. Advise the client to limit foods that are high in calcium and iron. D. Explain that the need to restrict fluids is the primary limitation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While some individuals with Crohn's disease may find that avoiding gluten improves their symptoms, this is not a universal recommendation.

Gluten restriction is more often indicated for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

It's important to individualize dietary recommendations based on personal triggers and sensitivities.

Choice B rationale:

An elimination diet is a systematic approach to identifying foods that may trigger or worsen Crohn's disease symptoms.

It involves removing certain foods from the diet for a period of time, typically 2-4 weeks, and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time to observe any reactions.

This process can help individuals pinpoint specific foods that contribute to their symptoms and make informed dietary choices to manage their condition.

Choice C rationale:

There is no evidence to support a general restriction of calcium and iron in individuals with Crohn's disease.

In fact, these nutrients are essential for overall health and should be consumed in adequate amounts unless a specific deficiency or intolerance is identified.

Restriction of these nutrients could lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Choice D rationale:

Fluid restriction is not a primary dietary limitation for individuals with Crohn's disease.

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for overall health, especially during flares when fluid loss through diarrhea may be increased.

Restricting fluids could potentially lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with emphysema reports difficulty breathing and exhibits audible wheezing.The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease asks the nurse about dietary restrictions. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who has had a laryngectomy and tracheostomy frequently expectorates copious amounts of purulent secretions.When changing the ties of the tracheostomy tube, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

A client receives a prescription for ophthalmic ketorolac.Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?

The patient's Hemoglobin A1C today is 8.29% and was 7.59% three months ago. The reference range is 4 to 5.99%. What is the likely diagnosis?

While changing a client’s postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, which of the client’s laboratory values should the nurse note?

A client with psoriasis returns to the clinic reporting the persistence of several silvery, scaly areas on the elbows and palms that frequently burn and sometimes bleed.Which prescription should the nurse teach the client to use for the skin condition?

A client with psoriasis returns to the clinic reporting the persistence of several silvery, scaly areas on the elbows and palms that frequently burn and sometimes bleed. Which prescription should the nurse teach the client to use for the skin condition?

Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCL to a client with a fungal toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?

A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis. Which pathophysiological process supports the client's respiratory acidosis?