A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of gastrointestinal perforation?
Bradycardia
Hyperactive bowel sounds
Increased blood pressure
Sudden abdominal pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. Bradycardia is not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. Instead, tachycardia may be observed due to the body's response to a potential emergency or shock.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. In fact, bowel sounds may decrease or become absent in severe cases of peritonitis or abdominal emergencies.
C. Increased blood pressure is not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. Hypotension may be observed due to hypovolemia resulting from fluid leakage into the peritoneal cavity.
D. Sudden abdominal pain is a key clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal perforation. The perforation of the stomach or intestines allows the contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis. Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom, often described as sharp, stabbing, and constant.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Investigate the client's emotional concerns:
While addressing emotional concerns is important, assessing electrolyte imbalances and physiological stability takes precedence in managing an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.
B. Check the client's perianal skin integrity:
Assessing perianal skin integrity is crucial, especially in inflammatory bowel disease, but it might not be the immediate priority compared to evaluating electrolyte imbalances.
C. Obtain a dietary history from the client:
Although dietary history is relevant for managing ulcerative colitis, the urgency lies in assessing and managing potential electrolyte imbalances due to the exacerbation of the condition.
D. Review the client's electrolyte values:
This is the correct action. During an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, the client is at risk of electrolyte imbalances due to diarrhea, dehydration, and potential fluid and electrolyte losses. Promptly reviewing the electrolyte values helps identify any imbalances that might require immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client that they can lift over 20 lbs:
Lifting heavy objects should be avoided postoperatively to prevent strain on the surgical site. The specific weight restriction may vary, but lifting heavy objects is generally discouraged.
B. Offer the client ice cream postoperatively:
While offering ice cream may be a comforting measure, it is not a specific action related to the recovery from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
C. Encourage ambulation once fully awake:
This is the correct action. Encouraging ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots and promotes recovery after laparoscopic surgery. Early mobility is generally encouraged unless contraindicated for specific reasons.
D. Place the client in a supine position postoperatively:
The position of the client postoperatively depends on the specific surgical procedure and the surgeon's preferences. However, placing the client in a supine position alone is not a comprehensive postoperative care action.
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