A client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate postoperative period for which most frequent complication of this type of surgery?
Intestinal obstruction
Folate deficiency
Malabsorption of fat
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because intestinal obstruction is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that connects the end of the small intestine (ileum) to a pouch or bag outside the body. This allows stool to bypass the colon and rectum. Intestinal obstruction can occur if there is a blockage or narrowing in any part of the digestive tract, but it is more likely to affect the colon than the ileum.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because folate deficiency is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Folate is a vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folate is mainly absorbed in the jejunum, which is the middle part of the small intestine. An ileostomy does not affect the jejunum, so it does not interfere with folate absorption.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because malabsorption of fat is not a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fat is digested and absorbed in both the small and large intestine. An ileostomy does not affect fat digestion, but it may reduce fat absorption by decreasing the transit time and surface area of the intestine. However, this is usually not significant enough to cause malabsorption symptoms.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a common complication of ileostomy surgery. Fluid and electrolytes are mainly absorbed in the colon, which is bypassed by an ileostomy. This can result in increased fluid and electrolyte loss through stool, especially sodium and potassium. This can lead to dehydration, hypotension, weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Notifying child protective services is not the priority action, as it is not indicated by the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is most likely a Mongolian spot, which is a benign, bluish-gray or purple patch of pigmentation that is common in infants of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent. It is not a sign of abuse or injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Recording the finding is the priority action, as it documents the presence and location of the Mongolian spot and prevents confusion or misdiagnosis in the future. The Mongolian spot usually fades by age 2 to 4 years, but it may persist into adulthood.
Choice C Reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is not the priority action, as it is not necessary for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not a cause for concern or intervention, but rather a normal variation of skin color.
Choice D Reason: Interviewing the clients about the injury is not the priority action, as it is not appropriate for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not an injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color. Interviewing the clients about it may imply suspicion or accusation of abuse, which can damage the nurse-client relationship and trust.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because airway obstruction is the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Airway obstruction can occur due to edema, inflammation, or inhalation injury of
the upper airway structures. It can compromise oxygenation and ventilation, and lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The nurse should assess for signs of airway obstruction, such as stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea, or cyanosis, and provide oxygen therapy, humidification, or intubation as needed.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because fluid imbalance is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Fluid imbalance can occur due to fluid loss from damaged skin and capillaries, as well as increased capillary permeability and fluid shifts. It can cause dehydration, hypovolemia, shock, or electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor fluid status, vital signs, urine output, and laboratory values, and provide fluid resuscitation as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because paralytic ileus is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is decreased or absent bowel motility due to nerve damage or decreased blood flow to
the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. The nurse should assess bowel sounds, abdominal girth, and stool characteristics, and provide nasogastric suction or laxatives as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency and fluid balance.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because infection is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Infection can occur due to loss of skin barrier, exposure to microorganisms, or impaired immune system. It can cause fever, increased pain, purulent drainage, or sepsis. The nurse should assess for signs of infection, obtain wound cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency, fluid balance, and pain control.
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