A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

150 mL of greenish yellow NG drainage

Client requests medication for nausea

Urinary output of 250 mL over past 12 hr

Hypoactive bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. 150 mL of greenish yellow NG drainage: This amount and color of drainage are expected after abdominal surgery, as bile-stained gastric contents can be present. It does not indicate a complication that requires provider notification.

B. Client requests medication for nausea: Nausea is a common postoperative symptom, often managed with antiemetics. While it should be addressed, it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate provider notification.

C. Urinary output of 250 mL over past 12 hr: Oliguria, defined as urine output less than 30 mL/hr (or less than 400 mL in 24 hr), suggests inadequate renal perfusion, possibly due to hypovolemia or acute kidney injury. This finding requires prompt provider notification.

D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Reduced bowel activity is common after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and opioid use. While monitoring is necessary, hypoactive sounds alone are not an urgent concern unless accompanied by other signs of ileus or obstruction.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Decorticate posturing: This is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure, indicating severe brain dysfunction and potential herniation. Early signs of increased ICP typically involve subtle neurological changes such as restlessness, confusion, or irritability before progressing to abnormal posturing.

B. Restlessness: An early sign of increased ICP, restlessness occurs due to decreased cerebral perfusion and oxygenation, leading to subtle changes in mental status. Clients may also exhibit irritability, confusion, or difficulty following commands before more severe symptoms develop.

C. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc, or papilledema, is a later sign of increased ICP and occurs due to prolonged pressure on the optic nerve. It is typically detected on an ophthalmic exam rather than presenting as an early symptom.

D. Projectile vomiting: Vomiting without nausea is a later sign of increased ICP, often associated with brainstem involvement. Early manifestations tend to involve altered mental status before progressing to severe symptoms such as vomiting or posturing.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

The nurse should first address the client's chest pain followed by the client's irregular heart rate.

Rationale:

Chest pain is the priority concern as it indicates an acute coronary event (ST-elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI). Immediate interventions such as oxygen, nitroglycerin, and pain management are required to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and prevent further cardiac damage.

Irregular heart rate must be addressed next, as tachycardia and arrhythmias can increase myocardial workload and worsen ischemia. Monitoring and possible antiarrhythmic interventions may be required to stabilize cardiac function.

Incorrect:

Troponin levels: Elevated troponin confirms myocardial injury but does not require immediate intervention; managing the ongoing ischemia is the priority.

Oxygen saturation: The client's oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is adequate. Oxygen therapy is not the first priority unless levels drop further.

Hyperlipidemia: While a cardiovascular risk factor, it is not an acute concern during an MI. Long-term management is necessary but not the immediate priority.

C-reactive protein: Elevated CRP indicates inflammation but does not require urgent intervention in the acute phase of MI.

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A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse should expect which of the following as an early manifestation of increased ICP?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client who reports tightness in their chest that radiates to left arm. Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The nurse should first address the client's ____ followed by the client's ____ .

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

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