A nurse in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is assessing a client who has a newly created colostomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Rose budlike stoma orifice
Stoma oozing red drainage
Shiny, moist stoma
Purplish colored stoma
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: A rosebud like stoma orifice is a normal appearance for a new colostomy, indicating that the stoma is healthy and not in distress.
Choice B reason: Red drainage from a stoma can be normal, especially in the early postoperative period, as the stoma may ooze a small amount of blood. However, if the drainage is excessive or persistent, it should be reported.
Choice C reason: A shiny, moist stoma is also a sign of a healthy stoma. The stoma should be moist and have a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth.
Choice D reason: A purplish colored stoma indicates compromised blood flow and is a sign of ischemia. This is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention to prevent tissue death.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ménière's disease typically presents with vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, not sudden resolution of ear pain with otorrhea.
Choice B reason: Mastoiditis may cause ear pain and drainage, but it is usually accompanied by fever and tenderness over the mastoid bone, not sudden pain resolution.
Choice C reason: A perforated tympanic membrane can lead to the sudden resolution of ear pain followed by drainage, as the pressure causing the pain is relieved when the eardrum ruptures.
Choice D reason: Acoustic neuroma typically presents with progressive hearing loss and tinnitus, not ear pain or otorrhea.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Sleepy, but arousing when the name is called
Feeling sleepy after receiving morphine is a common side effect. However, the fact that the client can be aroused when their name is called suggests that this is not necessarily an adverse effect.
The nurse should continue monitoring the client but may not consider this as a significant adverse reaction.
Choice B: Pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10
Pain relief is one of the intended effects of morphine. Therefore, experiencing pain reduction is not an adverse effect.
The nurse would likely view this as a positive response to the medication.
Choice C: Respiratory rate of 8/min
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is significantly low and indicates respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of morphine.
The nurse should be concerned about this finding and take appropriate action.
Choice D: SaO2 94%
An oxygen saturation (SaO2) level of 94% is within the normal range (usually 95% or higher). It is unlikely to be directly related to morphine administration.
While this value is not concerning, the nurse should continue monitoring the client's oxygen saturation.

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