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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bilirubin assesses liver function, not kidneys. Cyclosporine’s nephrotoxicity affects glomerular filtration, not heme metabolism. Monitoring bilirubin is irrelevant for renal function in transplant clients, as it reflects hepatic or hemolytic processes, not kidney health or drug toxicity.
Choice B reason: Alkaline phosphatase evaluates liver or bone health, not kidneys. Cyclosporine may cause hepatotoxicity, but renal monitoring is critical due to its nephrotoxic potential. Alkaline phosphatase does not reflect glomerular or tubular function, making it unsuitable for assessing renal impact.
Choice C reason: Amylase measures pancreatic function, not kidneys. Cyclosporine’s nephrotoxicity affects renal filtration, not pancreatic enzymes. Monitoring amylase is irrelevant for kidney transplant clients, as it does not indicate renal impairment or cyclosporine’s toxic effects on kidney function.
Choice D reason: Creatinine is a key renal function marker, reflecting glomerular filtration rate. Cyclosporine’s nephrotoxicity elevates creatinine, indicating kidney damage. Monitoring it with BUN ensures early detection of renal impairment, guiding dose adjustments to prevent further injury in transplant clients.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not linked to morphine toxicity. Morphine, an opioid, depresses the central nervous system, reducing reflexes. Hyperactive reflexes suggest neurological or stimulant effects, not opioid overdose, which primarily causes respiratory and consciousness depression in affected clients.
Choice B reason: Fluid retention is not a primary sign of morphine toxicity. Morphine may cause urinary retention via sphincter tone increase, but fluid overload is unrelated. Toxicity manifests as respiratory depression or sedation, driven by mu-opioid receptor overstimulation, not fluid balance alterations.
Choice C reason: Prolonged QT interval is associated with medications like antiarrhythmics, not morphine. Morphine toxicity primarily causes respiratory depression and sedation via central nervous system effects. Cardiac effects are rare, and QT prolongation is not a hallmark of opioid overdose in clinical settings.
Choice D reason: Bradypnea indicates morphine toxicity, as opioids depress the brainstem’s respiratory center via mu-receptor overstimulation. This slows breathing, risking hypoxia and respiratory arrest, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate intervention like naloxone to reverse opioid effects and restore normal respiratory function.
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