A client who had colon surgery 3 days ago is anxious and requesting assistance to reposition. While the nurse is turning the client, the wound dehiscences and eviscerates. The nurse moistens an available sterile dressing and places it over the wound. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?
Prepare the client to return to the operating room.
Obtain a sample of the drainage to send to the lab.
Bring additional sterile dressing supplies to the room.
Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sound activity.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the client to return to the operating room:
This is the correct and immediate priority. Evisceration, where internal organs protrude through the surgical incision, is a surgical emergency. Returning the client to the operating room is necessary to assess the extent of the complication, address the wound dehiscence, and protect the exposed organs. This intervention aims to prevent further complications and provide necessary surgical interventions.
B. Obtain a sample of the drainage to send to the lab:
While obtaining samples for laboratory analysis can be important for infection control, in the context of a client with evisceration, the primary concern is the surgical emergency. The priority is to address the wound complication by returning to the operating room rather than focusing on laboratory analysis at this immediate moment.
C. Bring additional sterile dressing supplies to the room:
While bringing additional supplies may be necessary, the priority in this situation is to prepare for the client's return to the operating room. Once the client is in a controlled surgical environment, additional dressing changes and wound care can be performed as needed.
D. Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sound activity:
While monitoring bowel sounds is a routine nursing assessment, in the context of evisceration, the immediate concern is the exposure of internal organs and the risk of infection. Preparing for the operating room takes precedence over routine assessments.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer a prescribed sedative:
Sedatives may depress the respiratory drive, which can be detrimental in a client with respiratory distress. It is not the appropriate intervention in this case.
B. Assist the client to an upright position.
Positioning the client upright helps improve respiratory mechanics by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm and allowing better lung expansion. This position can enhance the efficiency of breathing and alleviate symptoms of breathlessness.
C. Encourage the client to drink water:
While maintaining hydration is important, it may not directly address the immediate respiratory distress. Addressing the respiratory symptoms with an upright position is more crucial at this moment.
D. Apply a high-flow venturi mask:
While oxygen therapy may be necessary for a client with COPD experiencing respiratory distress, the first step is to assist the client to an upright position to improve respiratory mechanics. Applying a high-flow venturi mask may be a subsequent intervention based on the overall assessment, but positioning is the initial priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Remind the client to practice pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises regularly.
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, are typically recommended for conditions involving weakened pelvic floor muscles. However, in the context of urinary retention related to sensorimotor deficits in multiple sclerosis, the issue is more neurological in nature. Therefore, pelvic floor exercises may not address the underlying problem effectively.
B. Provide a bedside commode for immediate use in the client's room.
While a bedside commode may be beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, it doesn't directly address the problem of urinary retention. It focuses on providing a convenient means for the client to void when needed, but it doesn't address the inability to empty the bladder spontaneously.
C. Explain the need to limit intake of oral fluids to reduce client discomfort.
Limiting oral fluids is not an appropriate intervention for urinary retention. In fact, it could lead to dehydration, which is not a recommended approach. The focus should be on addressing the difficulty in voiding through appropriate techniques.
D. Teach the client techniques for performing intermittent catheterization.
This is the correct choice. Intermittent catheterization is a direct and effective method to manage urinary retention in clients with sensorimotor deficits. Teaching the client how to perform intermittent catheterization empowers them to maintain regular bladder emptying and prevent complications associated with urinary retention.
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