When caring for postoperative clients, which situation requires the most immediate intervention by the practical nurse (PN)?
A client with diabetes mellitus (DM) develops cellulitis around a foot wound.
Following suture removal from a client's stab wound, the wound dehisces.
Following abdominal surgery, a client experiences wound evisceration.
A client with a stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer develops purulent drainage.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C. Following abdominal surgery, a client experiences wound evisceration.
Choice A rationale:
Cellulitis developing around a foot wound in a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a concerning situation, but it does not require the most immediate intervention compared to wound evisceration. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can usually be treated with antibiotics, while wound evisceration is a surgical emergency.
Choice B rationale:
Following suture removal from a stab wound, wound dehiscence is a serious complication, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as wound evisceration. Wound dehiscence is the separation of the wound edges after closure, and while it requires prompt attention, it does not involve the protrusion of organs from the wound.
Choice C rationale:
Wound evisceration, the protrusion of organs through a surgical incision, is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate intervention. The practical nurse should cover the exposed organs with a sterile, moist dressing and seek immediate medical assistance to prevent infection and further complications.
Choice D rationale:
For a client with a stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer developing purulent drainage is a concern, but it is not as immediately critical as wound evisceration. Proper wound care and infection management are essential, but the urgency level is lower compared to wound evisceration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D, Pupils reactive to accommodation. Choice A rationale:
"Peripheral vision intact”. refers to the ability to see objects at the outer edges of one's visual field. It is not relevant to the assessment of pupillary response and does not describe the finding of pupils constricting as they change focus from a far object to a near object.
Choice B rationale:
"Nystagmus present with pupillary focus”. suggests involuntary rapid eye movements accompanied by changes in pupillary response. Nystagmus is not an expected finding during pupillary accommodation, and its presence would indicate a neurological issue rather than a normal response.
Choice C rationale:
"Consensual pupillary constriction present”. refers to both pupils constricting when light is shined into one eye. While this finding is normal, it does not specifically describe the pupils' response during accommodation when focusing from a far object to a near object.
Choice D rationale:
"Pupils reactive to accommodation”. accurately describes the normal physiological response of the pupils constricting as they change focus from a distant object to a nearby object. This response ensures that the appropriate amount of light enters the eyes to maintain clear vision during different distances of focus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the best action for the PN to take because it provides reality orientation and helps the client cope with the change in environment. The client may be experiencing acute confusion or delirium due to stress, medication, infection, or other factors. The PN should remind the client of the date, time, and place frequently and use other strategies such as calendars, clocks, and familiar objects to reduce confusion.
A. Documenting the client's loss of memory in the record is not enough and does not address the client's needs.
B. Notifying the family of the change in the client's condition is not a priority and may not be necessary if the confusion is temporary or reversible.
D. Encouraging the client to rest during the day is not appropriate and may worsen the confusion or disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.
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