A nurse is assessing a client 12 hours following an emergency abdominal surgery. Which assessment finding requires prompt collaboration with the primary health care provider?
Abdomen soft, surgical dressing has scant amount of old drainage
Client ambulating with minimal assistance, complaints of occasional nausea
Crackles bilaterally in bases of lungs, has incisional pain
Temperature 99.4°F (37.4°C), pulse 100 bpm, bowel sounds present
The Correct Answer is C
A. Abdomen soft, surgical dressing has scant amount of old drainage: A soft abdomen and minimal old drainage from the surgical dressing are expected findings postoperatively. They do not indicate an immediate concern that requires prompt action.
B. Client ambulating with minimal assistance, complaints of occasional nausea: Ambulation and occasional nausea are common and generally expected postoperatively. These findings do not require urgent collaboration with the healthcare provider.
C. Crackles bilaterally in bases of lungs, has incisional pain: Crackles in the lungs can indicate fluid accumulation or atelectasis, which may lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications. This finding, especially combined with recent surgery, requires prompt evaluation and intervention.
D. Temperature 99.4°F (37.4°C), pulse 100 bpm, bowel sounds present: A slightly elevated temperature and increased pulse are common after surgery. The presence of bowel sounds is a positive sign indicating the return of gastrointestinal function. These findings are not immediately concerning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia can cause signs such as muscle twitching, spasms, or tetany, which could be observed in the upper extremity and might be noted during a blood pressure measurement.
B. Hypokalemia: While hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramping, it is less directly associated with specific upper extremity signs compared to hypocalcemia.
C. Hypophosphatemia: This generally affects energy levels and muscle function but is less commonly associated with immediate and visible upper extremity signs.
D. Hyponatremia: This primarily affects fluid balance and mental status, and is less likely to present with specific upper extremity findings during a blood pressure check.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Infiltration: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue, typically causing swelling and coolness, but not usually a cord-like vein or a reddened streak.
B. Phlebitis: This is the correct choice. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, evidenced by tenderness, burning, swelling, and a reddened streak along the vein. The cord-like vein indicates inflammation.
C. Extravasation: Extravasation involves the leakage of vesicant drugs into surrounding tissue, which can cause severe tissue damage, but usually involves more than just a cord-like vein and reddened streak.
D. Infection: Infection typically presents with more systemic signs like fever and could involve purulent discharge, which is not described in this scenario.
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