A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale:

Offering a glass of water to the patient is not a priority action when dealing with a surgical incision that eviscerates. This situation requires immediate intervention to prevent complications related to the evisceration.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the patient for signs and symptoms of shock is crucial in this scenario. Evisceration, the protrusion of organs from a surgical incision, can lead to significant blood loss, which may result in shock. Signs of shock include hypotension, tachycardia, pallor, diaphoresis, and altered mental status.

Choice C rationale:

Placing moist sterile gauze over the site is appropriate to prevent the exposed organs from drying out and becoming further damaged. It also helps to reduce the risk of infection. Moist sterile gauze helps maintain a sterile environment and prevents the organs from being exposed to contaminants.

Choice D rationale:

Gently placing the organs back into the abdominal cavity is not within the nurse's scope of practice. This action requires surgical intervention by a healthcare provider. The nurse's role is to provide immediate first aid and notify the surgeon.

Choice E rationale:

Contacting the patient's surgeon is essential. Evisceration is a surgical emergency, and the surgeon needs to be informed promptly to make decisions regarding further interventions. The patient may require emergency surgery to address the evisceration and prevent complications.

Choice A rationale:

Requiring the child to be free from nits before returning to school might not be an accurate understanding of the situation. Nits are the eggs of head lice and may remain attached to the hair even after effective treatment. The presence of live lice is a more crucial factor to consider.

Choice B rationale:

Throwing out toys that can't be dry cleaned or washed is an unnecessary and extreme measure. Head lice do not survive long away from the human scalp, so the risk of transmission through inanimate objects like toys is minimal. Thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming the environment is more effective.

Choice C rationale:

Treating all family members is indeed a prudent approach. Head lice can spread easily within households, especially among close contacts. Treating everyone helps prevent re-infestation and disrupts the lice life cycle.

Choice D rationale:

Washing recently used clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water is a correct understanding of how to manage head lice. The high temperature kills lice and their eggs. It is an essential step in preventing the spread of lice and re-infestation.