Which assessment data would require immediate intervention by the nurse for the client who is six (6) hours post-operative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?
Absent bilateral pedal pulses.
Complaints of pain at the site of the incision.
Distended, tender abdomen.
An elevated temperature of 100 F
The Correct Answer is A
Absent bilateral pedal pulses indicate a potential vascular complication, such as impaired circulation or blood flow to the lower extremities. It may suggest compromised perfusion and could be a sign of arterial occlusion or thrombosis, which requires immediate intervention. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the client's condition and initiate appropriate interventions to restore circulation to the lower extremities.
While complaints of pain at the site of the incision are significant, post-operative pain is expected after abdominal surgery. The nurse should assess the pain and provide appropriate pain management interventions, but it may not require immediate intervention unless the pain is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
A distended, tender abdomen could indicate various post-operative complications, such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Although it should be evaluated and reported to the healthcare provider, it may not require immediate intervention unless the client's condition deteriorates or other signs of a surgical emergency are present.
An elevated temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) alone, without other signs of infection or systemic complications, may not necessarily require immediate intervention. It could be a normal response to surgery or a mild post-operative infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, and if necessary, report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Helping to position a client for a portable x-ray generally involves physically assisting the client in moving into the appropriate position or adjusting their body as needed. This task can be safely delegated to the UAP as long as they have received proper training on how to safely assist with positioning and have a clear understanding of the specific instructions provided by the radiology department.
Assisting the client to take the beta-blocker involves administering medication, which falls within the scope of nursing practice and requires the nurse's expertise in medication administration and monitoring the client's response.
Transporting the client to the intensive care unit via a stretcher involves moving the client to another unit and may require additional monitoring and coordination of care during the transfer. This task is best performed by the nurse, who can assess the client's stability, ensure appropriate documentation, and communicate effectively with the receiving unit.
Providing discharge-teaching instructions to the client going home requires the nurse to provide information about medications, wound care, follow-up appointments, and other important instructions. This task involves comprehensive education and assessment ofthe client's understanding, and is best performed by the nurse to ensure accurate and complete information is provided.
Correct Answer is ["D","E"]
Explanation
The traces that should require immediate follow-up by the nurse are:
● Pacer spikes occur directly before the T waves.
Pacer spikes occurring on the T waves indicate an issue with the pacemaker's timing or sensing. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or pacing during the refractory period, which can be detrimental to the client's heart function.
● The heart rate is outside of programmed parameters.
If the heart rate is outside of the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it may indicate a malfunction or failure of the device or a change in the client's cardiac status. It is important for the nurse to assess the client's condition and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Let's review the other options and explain why they do not require immediate follow-up:
Pacer spikes are adequate in number: This indicates that the pacemaker is delivering the appropriate number of electrical impulses as programmed. As long as the other parameters are normal, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the P waves: This is the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in normal sinus rhythm. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the QRS waves: This is also the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in clients with ventricular pacing. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
The heart rate is within programmed parameters: If the heart rate falls within the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it indicates that the device is functioning appropriately in maintaining the desired heart rate.
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