What condition is the patient most likely experiencing, what two actions should the nurse take to address that condition, and what two parameters should the nurse monitor to assess the patient’s progress?
Potential Condition: Bleeding, Actions to Take: Observe surgical dressing, obtain blood cultures, Parameters to Monitor: Blood pressure, Patient’s performance of lung expansion exercises.
Potential Condition: Air leak, Actions to Take: Check the drainage system, Parameters to Monitor: Respiratory status, Chest tube drainage.
Potential Condition: Pulmonary edema.
Potential Condition: Pneumonia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While bleeding is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice B rationale
An air leak is a potential complication following a thoracotomy with chest tube insertion. The nurse should check the drainage system and monitor the patient’s respiratory status and chest tube drainage.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary edema is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice D rationale
Pneumonia is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reporting the absence of spontaneous respirations is important, but it is not the priority action. The patient is on mechanical ventilation, so the absence of spontaneous respirations is expected.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the patient to attempt to breathe on their own is not the priority action. The patient is receiving mechanical ventilation, which means they are likely unable to breathe adequately on their own.
Choice C rationale
Providing passive range-of-motion exercises is important for overall patient mobility and prevention of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the priority action in this case.
Choice D rationale
Responding to ventilator alarms is the priority action. Alarms may indicate a change in the patient’s condition or a problem with the ventilator. Immediate response is necessary to ensure the patient’s safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cherry jello is not a part of a full-liquid diet. While it is soft and easy to swallow, it does not provide the necessary nutrients that a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer would need.
Choice B rationale
Clear broth soup is part of a clear liquid diet, not a full liquid diet. A full liquid diet includes foods that are liquid at room temperature or melt at body temperature.
Choice C rationale
Chicken noodle soup is not suitable for a full-liquid diet. The noodles and chicken pieces could pose a swallowing risk for a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer.
Choice D rationale
Cream of potato soup is a suitable choice for a full-liquid diet. It is smooth and easy to swallow, and it provides necessary nutrients.
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