When providing care for a client on the first postoperative day following an appendectomy, which intervention should the practical nurse implement?

Maintain client in recumbent position.

Apply moist heat for reports of pain.

Restrict ambulation to bathroom only.

Document the first bowel movement.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Maintaining the client in a recumbent position is not typically necessary on the first postoperative day following an appendectomy. While it is important to ensure the client is comfortable and to monitor for signs of complications, encouraging mobility as soon as it is safe is generally beneficial. Prolonged bed rest can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and respiratory issues. Therefore, this intervention is not the most appropriate for promoting recovery and ensuring the client's well-being.
Choice B reason: Applying moist heat for pain relief is generally not recommended in the immediate postoperative period following an appendectomy. The use of heat can increase blood flow to the surgical site and potentially exacerbate inflammation or swelling. Pain management should be approached with appropriate analgesics as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor for signs of complications such as infection or hematoma, and moist heat may not be the safest method for addressing postoperative pain in this context.
Choice C reason: Restricting ambulation to the bathroom only may be overly restrictive and can hinder the client's recovery process. Encouraging early and safe ambulation is important to prevent complications like DVT, promote circulation, and support overall recovery. While it is essential to ensure that the client does not overexert themselves, completely restricting movement to only bathroom trips is not conducive to optimal postoperative care. Gradual, supervised ambulation should be encouraged as the client's condition permits.
Choice D reason: Documenting the first bowel movement is a crucial intervention following an appendectomy. It provides important information about the return of gastrointestinal function, which can be affected by both the surgery and anesthesia. Monitoring and recording bowel movements help ensure that the client is not experiencing postoperative ileus, a common complication characterized by a temporary cessation of bowel activity. Early detection of such issues allows for timely intervention and supports the client's overall recovery.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Having someone hold the weights up during transport is not recommended. Buck's traction relies on the consistent pull of the weights to maintain the proper alignment of the fracture. Holding the weights during transport would disrupt the continuous traction and could cause misalignment or exacerbate the injury. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the traction system during transport.
Choice B reason: Preventing movement of the weights by resting them on top of the bed until the transport is completed is also not advisable. This action would negate the purpose of the traction by removing the continuous pull required to keep the fracture immobilized. Resting the weights on the bed would result in a loss of traction, potentially leading to complications in the healing process.
Choice C reason: Releasing the weights during transport and reconnecting them when the transport is completed is not appropriate. Temporarily removing the traction could cause significant discomfort to the client and disturb the alignment of the fracture. The stability provided by continuous traction is essential for the proper healing of the fracture, and interruptions can lead to adverse outcomes.
Choice D reason: Leaving the weights in place during transport is the best practice. Buck's traction is designed to provide a consistent and gentle pulling force to maintain the alignment of the fracture. The weights should remain in place to ensure the traction is effective throughout the transport process. Proper care should be taken to handle the traction system carefully and avoid any jarring movements that could impact the client's condition.

A. Aldosterone levels. B. Cortisol levels. C. Thyroxine levels. D. Insulin levels.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. While aldosterone levels can indicate adrenal function, they are not as commonly used as cortisol levels in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure. Aldosterone regulation is also influenced by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, making it a less direct indicator of overall adrenal cortex function compared to cortisol.
Choice B reason: Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Measuring cortisol levels is a primary method for assessing adrenal cortex function. Low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or failure, such as in conditions like Addison's disease. Evaluating cortisol levels provides a direct assessment of the adrenal gland’s ability to produce essential hormones necessary for the body's normal functioning.
Choice C reason: Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. While thyroxine levels are important for thyroid function assessment, they do not directly reflect the functioning of the adrenal gland. Therefore, thyroxine levels are not relevant in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure.
Choice D reason: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. It is not related to the adrenal cortex. Monitoring insulin levels is important for diagnosing and managing diabetes mellitus but does not provide information about the functioning of the adrenal gland. Insulin levels are not used to assess adrenal cortex function.

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When providing care for a client on the first postoperative day following an appendectomy, which intervention should the practical nurse implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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