A charge nurse is teaching newly licensed nurses about postoperative procedures following abdominal surgery. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include?
Encourage ambulation only after 48 hours post-surgery.
Instruct clients to avoid coughing to prevent wound dehiscence.
Monitor for signs of infection, such as fever or redness.
Remove surgical dressings within 12 hours post-surgery.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Encouraging ambulation only after 48 hours delays recovery, as early ambulation (within 12-24 hours) promotes circulation, prevents thromboembolism, and aids bowel function post-abdominal surgery. This instruction is incorrect, as it contradicts evidence-based protocols for early mobilization to enhance recovery.
Choice B reason: Instructing clients to avoid coughing is inappropriate, as coughing and deep breathing prevent pulmonary complications like atelectasis post-abdominal surgery. Splinting the incision during coughing reduces discomfort and dehiscence risk, making this instruction incorrect as it increases respiratory complications.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever or redness, is critical post-abdominal surgery to detect complications early. Infections can delay healing and lead to sepsis. Regular assessment ensures timely intervention, aligning with evidence-based postoperative care, making this the correct information to include.
Choice D reason: Removing surgical dressings within 12 hours is not standard, as dressings typically remain for 24-48 hours or per surgeon orders to protect the wound and reduce infection risk. Premature removal increases contamination risk, making this instruction incorrect for postoperative care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Discussing the prescription with the provider is critical, as amoxicillin, a penicillin derivative, is contraindicated in clients with penicillin allergies due to risk of anaphylaxis. This ensures patient safety by verifying or correcting the order, aligning with nursing advocacy and safety protocols, making it correct.
Choice B reason: Administering amoxicillin to a client with a penicillin allergy risks severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, violating patient safety principles. Nurses must verify contraindicated orders before administration, making this action dangerous and incorrect in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Placing an incident report is premature, as no error has occurred yet. The nurse’s role is to prevent harm by addressing the contraindicated prescription proactively. This action does not resolve the issue and is inappropriate as the first step, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Calling the pharmacist for clarification is less direct than discussing with the provider, who issued the order. While pharmacists can provide guidance, the provider must confirm or change the prescription to ensure safety, making this action secondary and less effective.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, typically causes hypotension via alpha-adrenergic blockade, not hypertension. Expecting blood pressure elevation shows misunderstanding, as its cardiovascular effects require monitoring for orthostatic changes, not hypertensive risks, in depression treatment.
Choice B reason: Acknowledging a 2-4 week delay for amitriptyline’s effect shows understanding, as tricyclics increase synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine gradually, requiring neuroplastic changes for mood improvement. This reflects accurate knowledge of the drug’s onset, critical for managing expectations in depression therapy.
Choice C reason: Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach is incorrect, as food reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Its absorption is unaffected by food, but taking it with meals improves tolerability, indicating a misunderstanding of administration guidelines for effective therapy.
Choice D reason: Morning dosing of amitriptyline is incorrect, as its sedative effects, via histamine blockade, are best utilized at bedtime to aid sleep. Morning use may cause daytime drowsiness, reducing adherence, indicating a misunderstanding of its pharmacological profile in depression management.
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