A nurse is assessing a client who had a colostomy 24 hrs ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
The stoma appears dark purple in color.
The colostomy has had no output.
The client refuses to look at the colostomy.
The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10
The Correct Answer is A
A. The stoma appears dark purple in color. This is a priority finding, as it may indicate impaired circulation or necrosis of the stoma tissue. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red and moist. A dark purple or black color requires immediate evaluation.
B. The colostomy has had no output. While it is important to monitor output, it is not unusual for a new colostomy to have minimal or no output in the first 24–48 hours post-op as bowel function returns.
C. The client refuses to look at the colostomy. This is a psychosocial concern and may indicate body image issues or denial, but it is not the most urgent issue in the immediate postoperative period.
D. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Pain management is important, but a pain level of 6, while needing intervention, does not take priority over a potential vascular compromise of the stoma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Perform the Credé’s maneuver. This technique, involving manual pressure on the bladder, is used to promote urination in clients with bladder retention. It is not appropriate for a client with a catheter and continuous bladder irrigation in place.
B. Maintain the irrigation solution rate. Pink-tinged urine is an expected finding 4 hours after a TURP as minor bleeding can occur. There is no need to adjust the irrigation rate unless clots form or the urine becomes bright red or obstructed.
C. Warm the irrigation solution. Warming the solution is not a standard intervention and does not directly manage postoperative bleeding or pink urine. Room temperature solution is typically used unless otherwise specified by the provider.
D. Replace the indwelling urinary catheter. There is no indication the catheter is malfunctioning or obstructed. Pink urine alone does not warrant replacement, and unnecessary catheter changes can increase infection risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Silence the bed alarm when visitors are at the client's bedside. Bed alarms are a critical safety device for clients on fall precautions and should never be silenced when the client is in bed, regardless of visitors. Alarms alert staff if the client attempts to get up unsafely.
B. Establish an elimination schedule for the client. A regular toileting schedule helps reduce the risk of falls by preventing unassisted attempts to get out of bed to use the bathroom. This proactive approach supports both safety and comfort.
C. Raise all four bed rails on the client's bed. Raising all four rails is considered a form of restraint and can actually increase the risk of injury if the client attempts to climb over them. Two rails up is generally acceptable for support and safety.
D. Allow the client to walk unassisted near the nursing station. Clients on fall precautions should always be supervised or assisted during ambulation to prevent accidents, even when close to staff. Being near the nursing station does not eliminate the risk.
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