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 B
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication used to treat various heart conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.It works by improving the strength and efficiency of the heart, or by controlling the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.
One of the important things to monitor when giving digoxin to an infant is the pulse rate. Digoxin can lower the heart rate, which can be dangerous if it becomes too slow.Therefore, the pulse rate should be checked for one full minute before administering digoxin, and the medication should be held if the pulse rate is below 90 beats per minute (bpm) for an infant.
In this case, the infant’s heart rate is 120 bpm, which is within the normal range for a 2-month-old. Therefore, the correct action for the PN to take is to administer the medication and document the heart rate. This is optionbin the list of choices. Optionais incorrect because there is no need to hold the medication or recheck the heart rate in one hour. Optioncis incorrect because there is no need to alert the charge nurse unless there is a problem with the infant’s condition or the medication. Optiondis incorrect because holding the medication and documenting cardiac assessment is not appropriate for a normal heart rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"I will be back in 30 minutes to help you get out of bed and walk around the room today.”.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that she must ambulate to avoid complications (Choice B) may be true, but it comes across as authoritarian and may further upset the client. It is essential to address the client's feelings of anger and approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging the client's anger about the pain of ambulation (Choice C) is a good start, but it is not enough. The nurse should follow up with a plan to assist and encourage the client to walk later, promoting collaboration in the healing process.
Choice D rationale:
Informing the client about specific instructions to ambulate (Choice D) is important, but the response lacks empathy and fails to address the client's feelings. The nurse needs to consider the client's mental disability and approach the situation with sensitivity.
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