A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Sore throat.

Frequent swallowing.

Blood-tinged mucus.

Dark brown emesis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

A sore throat is a common and expected finding after a tonsillectomy due to irritation from the procedure. While it can cause discomfort, it is not a priority concern unless it worsens significantly or is accompanied by other symptoms indicating complications such as bleeding or infection.

Choice B rationale:

Frequent swallowing is expected after a tonsillectomy due to the presence of throat pain and swelling. It is not a priority concern unless it is excessive or accompanied by signs of bleeding, such as vomiting blood.

Choice C rationale:

Blood-tinged mucus is a common finding in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. It is expected due to the healing process and is not a cause for concern unless it becomes profuse or is accompanied by active bleeding.

Choice D rationale:

Dark brown emesis is a concerning finding after a tonsillectomy. It could indicate bleeding from the surgical site or another gastrointestinal issue. Dark brown emesis suggests that the blood has been partially digested, indicating that the bleeding might be higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. This finding requires immediate medical attention as it could lead to significant blood loss and complications if not addressed promptly.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Incorrect. Avoiding the issue by scheduling the nurses to have fewer shifts together might not address the underlying conflict and could lead to resentment.

B. Incorrect. To auscultate blood pressure accurately, it's essential to follow proper positioning and technique, which typically involves having the client's arm at heart level. Placing the arm above heart level can lead to falsely lower blood pressure readings.

C. Incorrect. While promising more equitable assignments is important, addressing the conflict directly and encouraging collaboration is a more proactive approach.

D. Using the palpatory method, the nurse can feel for the radial pulse while slowly deflating the blood pressure cuff. This helps estimate the systolic blood pressure when Korotkoff sounds are challenging to hear. It provides a rough estimate until clear sounds can be heard and ensures accurate blood pressure measurement.

A. Evaluate upper and lower extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema. B. Secure client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. C. Administer four 81 mg aspirin tablets providing instructions to chew before swallowing. D. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and institute strict intake and output measurements.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Given the client's symptoms of constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest, along with the client's appearance of anxiety, pallor, and diaphoresis, it indicates a high likelihood of an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). In this situation, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions that address the potential cardiac emergency.

Aspirin is an essential medication in the initial management of acute coronary syndrome, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction. It helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation in the coronary arteries. The chewable form of aspirin is recommended because it allows for more rapid absorption.

While evaluating extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema is important in assessing the client's overall cardiovascular status, it is not the immediate next step when faced with a suspected acute coronary event.

Securing client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a relevant step in the management of unstable angina and myocardial infarction, but it is not the immediate action to be taken in the emergency department. The client requires stabilization and initial medical interventions before procedural consent can be obtained.

Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and instituting strict intake and output measurements is not a priority action in this situation. The focus should be on addressing the potential acute coronary event and ensuring the client's cardiac stability. Urinary catheterization and monitoring of intake and output can be considered later, if necessary.

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A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy.Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is obtaining a client's manual blood pressure and is having difficulty auscultating sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with a history of unstable angina presents to the emergency department with constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest. The client appears anxious, pale, and diaphoretic. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?