You arrive for your morning shift on the urology unit, and the night nurse gives a report on the following patients who will be under your care. Which one would you see first?
Mr. Dominic, newly admitted with complaints of severe hip pain and anorexia. His lab tests were normal with the exception of elevated liver enzymes. After an initial dose of Dilaudid 1 mg, he reports his pain as 2 on a 0 to 10 scale and has slept fitfully overnight.
Mr. Bradford, 5 days post-radical prostatectomy for invasive bladder cancer. His urine output overnight was 1200 mL of blood-tinged urine. He did not sleep well and ambulated twice overnight, complaining of "gas pains."
Mr. Jennings, had a TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) yesterday. He is complaining of "bladder spasms." He had 3000 mL of bladder irrigation in overnight and 2950 mL out.
Ms. Griffiths, who had a cystectomy for bladder cancer three years ago, was admitted via the ER overnight with complaints of severe hip pain and anorexia. Her lab tests were normal with the exception of elevated liver enzymes. After an initial dose of Dilaudid 1 mg, she reports her pain as 2 on a 0 to 10 scale and has slept fitfully overnight.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Mr. Dominic's pain has been controlled to a manageable level, and although he experienced elevated liver enzymes, there are no acute symptoms requiring immediate intervention. He has been able to sleep, indicating that his current condition is stable.
Choice B reason: Mr. Bradford, although experiencing discomfort and blood-tinged urine, is post-surgical, and his condition is stable with managed output. Ambulating is a positive sign post-surgery, indicating recovery. His condition needs monitoring but is not the most urgent.
Choice C reason: Mr. Jennings, who had a TURBT yesterday, is experiencing bladder spasms and high volume irrigation. The output is almost equivalent to the input, which is a positive sign, but bladder spasms can indicate irritation, infection, or a blockage that needs prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason: Ms. Griffiths presents a similar case to Mr. Dominic, with controlled pain and elevated liver enzymes. She is stable overnight, and her pain level is low after medication, indicating her condition is currently managed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The use of a colostomy bag is expected following surgery for colorectal cancer that involves the creation of a stoma. This does not indicate a complication.
Choice B reason: A loss of appetite is common after major surgery and can be managed with nutritional support and gradual reintroduction of food.
Choice C reason: Absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants could indicate a paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction, which are serious complications requiring immediate intervention to prevent further issues such as bowel ischemia.
Choice D reason: Mild pain at the surgical site is expected and can be managed with prescribed pain medications. It does not indicate a serious complication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Adjusting the rate of the infusion or catheter drainage without first identifying the cause of the lack of drainage can be ineffective. It is essential to determine whether there is a physical obstruction before making rate adjustments.
Choice B reason: Irrigating the catheter might be necessary if there is a blockage, but it is not the first step. Checking the tubing for kinks should be done first to identify and correct any simple mechanical obstructions.
Choice C reason: Notifying the provider is important if the issue persists, but the nurse should first assess and try to resolve the problem by checking for any obvious causes like kinks in the tubing. Immediate provider notification is not the first action.
Choice D reason: Checking the tubing for kinks is the first and most logical step. Kinks in the catheter tubing can easily obstruct urine flow, and this simple assessment can quickly identify and resolve the issue, restoring proper drainage.
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