A 6-week-old infant with poor weight gain is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Maintain a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C is correct because observing the incision site of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter can help detect signs of infection, bleeding, or healing problems. The nurse should inspect the incision site for redness, swelling, drainage, or odor and report any abnormal findings.
Choice A is incorrect because measuring abdominal girth of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of urinary retention or obstruction. The nurse should monitor the urine output and color and report any changes.
Choice B is incorrect because assessing perineal area of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of infection or irritation. The nurse should instruct the client on how to keep the perineal area clean and dry and report any discomfort or discharge.
Choice D is incorrect because palpating flank area of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of urinary tract infection or kidney involvement. The nurse should ask the client about any pain or tenderness in the flank area and report any positive findings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Measuring urine output daily is not a specific statement for the nurse to include, as this is a general recommendation for all clients with urinary catheters and does not address the potential complications of a suprapubic catheter. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Observing urine color and clarity is not a relevant statement for the nurse to include, as this does not reflect the condition of the suprapubic catheter or its insertion site. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Inspecting genital area for signs of infection is an important statement for the nurse to include, as this can help detect and prevent urinary tract infection, peritonitis, or abscess formation, which are common risks associated with suprapubic catheters. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Palpating flank area for tenderness is not a necessary statement for the nurse to include, as this is not an accurate or reliable method to assess for kidney function or damage, which are unlikely to occur with a suprapubic catheter. This is another distractor choice.
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