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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While teaching the client about infection prevention measures is important, it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The client is already potentially contagious, and these measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission if the client is not properly isolated.

It's crucial to remember that the client may be experiencing cognitive impairment due to illness, making it harder to fully comprehend and adhere to instructions.

Additionally, some clients may not have access to or be able to afford masks and hand sanitizer, potentially hindering compliance with these measures.

Choice B rationale:

Isolating the client is the most critical action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. This includes separating the client from other patients, family members, and healthcare workers who are not wearing proper PPE.

PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and the client, minimizing the risk of transmission via direct contact or droplets.

Proper isolation techniques include placing the client in a designated negative-pressure isolation room, if available, or designating a separate area within a multi-bed room.

It's essential to restrict the client's movement within the healthcare facility and limit visitors to essential personnel only.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department is important for tracking and managing the spread of the virus; however, it is not the most immediate priority in this situation.

The priority is to prevent further transmission by isolating the client.

Choice D rationale:

Counseling family members to monitor for symptoms is important, but it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The priority is to prevent transmission by isolating the client.

A. Amber urine. B. Belching. C. Flatulence. D. Yellow sclera.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Amber urine can be a sign of dehydration, but it is not specific to cholelithiasis with a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct.

While it's important to monitor hydration status in patients with nausea and vomiting, amber urine alone would not be the most urgent finding to report to the healthcare provider in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Belching is a common symptom of gastrointestinal disorders, but it is not specific to cholelithiasis with a gallstone obstruction. It can be caused by various factors, such as swallowing air, eating too quickly, or drinking carbonated beverages.

While belching might be a symptom the nurse documents, it would not be the most concerning finding to report immediately.

Choice C rationale:

Flatulence is another common gastrointestinal symptom that can have various causes, including dietary choices, bacterial fermentation in the intestines, and certain medications.

It is not specific to cholelithiasis with a gallstone obstruction and would not be the most relevant finding to prioritize reporting.

Choice D rationale:

Yellow sclera, also known as jaundice, is a significant finding that strongly suggests cholestasis, which is the obstruction of bile flow.

Bile, a fluid produced by the liver, aids in digestion and gives stool its brownish color.

When bile flow is obstructed, as in the case of a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct, bilirubin (a component of bile) builds up in the bloodstream and tissues, leading to yellowing of the skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes).

This is a crucial finding to report to the healthcare provider because it indicates a worsening of the patient's condition and the need for prompt intervention to address the obstruction.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client presents to the emergency department with muscle aches, headache, fever, and describes a recent loss of taste and smell.The nurse obtains a nasal swab for COVID-19 testing. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient with cholelithiasis has a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct and is unable to eat or drink without becoming nauseated and vomiting.Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is D

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