The patient who is morbidly obese has just undergone gastric bypass surgery. Which immediate post-operative intervention has the greatest priority?
Change the surgical dressing.
Auscultate bowel sounds.
Reposition the NG tube if patient is nauseated.
Elevate the head of the bed at least 30 degrees.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While monitoring the surgical site is important, changing the dressing is not the highest priority immediately post-operatively. The initial focus should be on assessing the patient's stability and managing any complications rather than performing a dressing change.
B. Assessing bowel sounds is important to evaluate gastrointestinal function, particularly after gastrointestinal surgery. However, this can be done after ensuring that the patient is stable and that their airway, breathing, and circulation are prioritized. While important, it is not the immediate priority.
C. If the patient has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place and is experiencing nausea, this may require attention, as it can indicate a blockage or discomfort. However, repositioning the NG tube may not be the first intervention to prioritize in the immediate post-operative setting.
D. This intervention is critical for multiple reasons. Elevating the head of the bed helps reduce the risk of aspiration, improves breathing by enhancing lung expansion, and aids in reducing pressure on the surgical site. After abdominal surgery, especially in obese patients, elevating the head can also promote comfort and facilitate early ambulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Epigastric pain is a common symptom of cholecystitis. Patients often experience pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the right shoulder or back. This symptom is typical in cases of gallbladder inflammation.
B. Murphy's sign is a physical examination finding where the patient experiences pain upon palpation of the right upper quadrant during inspiration. This sign is indicative of gallbladder inflammation and is often associated with cholecystitis. Therefore, it is a manifestation of the condition.
C. Green colored stool is not typically associated with cholecystitis. Stool color can vary based on diet, medications, or the presence of bile. While pale or clay-colored stools can occur with obstruction of bile flow (such as with gallstones), green stools are more often related to rapid transit through the intestines, dietary factors, or certain infections rather than cholecystitis itself.
D. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of cholecystitis. Patients may experience these symptoms due to the inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with gallbladder issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Total bilirubin levels are primarily associated with liver function and hemolysis. While malnutrition can impact liver function, total bilirubin is not a direct indicator of nutritional status or malnutrition.
B. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Its levels are typically associated with muscle damage or myocardial infarction. While malnutrition can impact muscle mass, CK is not specifically altered due to malnutrition alone.
C. Troponin is a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged. It is primarily used as a biomarker for myocardial injury. Malnutrition does not directly affect troponin levels, so this is not a relevant finding in the context of malnutrition.
D. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of nutritional status. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency. In cases of anorexia and malnutrition, albumin levels are often decreased due to inadequate protein intake and poor nutritional status.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.