A nurse is assessing a patient who has just been admitted to the postsurgical unit following surgical resection for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Assess for signs of infection.
Assess for a patent airway.
Assess ability to clear oral secretions.
Assess for ability to communicate.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
While assessing for signs of infection is important, ensuring a patent airway takes precedence immediately following surgery.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Assessing for a patent airway is the top priority in postoperative care to ensure the patient can breathe effectively.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the ability to clear oral secretions is important, but it is secondary to ensuring a patent airway.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the ability to communicate is important, but it is not the immediate priority after surgical resection for oropharyngeal cancer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is not typically associated with cirrhosis. It may be related to other underlying conditions.
Choice B reason:
Spider angiomas (also known as spider nevi) are expected findings in clients with cirrhosis.
They are small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin that resemble a spider's web. They can be found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and arms.

Choice C reason:
Tarry stools (melena) can occur in individuals with gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a complication of cirrhosis. However, it is not a specific finding for cirrhosis itself.
Choice D reason:
Moist skin is not a characteristic finding associated with cirrhosis. It may be related to other factors such as environmental humidity or individual factors like sweating.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Gallstones are a common cause of acute pancreatitis, as they can obstruct the pancreatic duct and lead to inflammation.
Choice B reason:
While diabetes mellitus can be a risk factor for pancreatitis, it is not specific to acute pancreatitis.
Choice C reason:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not directly related to acute pancreatitis.
Choice D reason:
Hypolipidemia (low blood lipid levels) is not a common risk factor for acute pancreatitis.
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