A nurse is caring for a client who had a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 3 days ago. The client's vital signs are temperature 38.3°C (100.9°F), heart rate 80/min, respirations 16/min, and blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Notify the surgeon of the temperature elevation.
Encourage the client to drink more fluids.
Assess the surgical incision for signs of infection.
Monitor vital signs every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Notifying the surgeon of the temperature elevation is important, but it is not the nurse's priority. A temperature elevation after abdominal surgery could be a sign of infection, but the immediate action should be to assess the surgical incision for any signs of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is a good practice to maintain hydration and promote recovery after surgery. However, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The elevated temperature and potential infection take precedence over increasing fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. An elevated temperature is a significant finding after surgery, and it may indicate a surgical site infection, which requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is an essential nursing intervention after surgery, but it is not the priority when the client has an elevated temperature and a recent surgical incision.
The nurse must first assess for signs of infection before proceeding with routine vital sign monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should administer oxygen to the client experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell crisis can cause vaso-occlusion, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Administering oxygen helps to improve tissue oxygenation and relieve symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Administering opioids is appropriate for managing the severe pain associated with a sickle cell crisis. Opioids are effective analgesics that can help alleviate the acute pain experienced by the client.
Choice C rationale:
Administering whole blood is not typically indicated for a sickle cell crisis. Whole blood transfusion is reserved for specific indications, such as severe anemia or acute blood loss, but it is not a standard treatment for sickle cell crisis pain.
Choice D rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed to 30° can improve oxygenation and reduce the workload on the respiratory system, which is beneficial for clients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. It helps to optimize lung expansion and alleviate hypoxia.
Choice E rationale:
Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not necessary in a sickle cell crisis. There is no indication that the client cannot tolerate oral intake, so allowing them to eat and drink as usual is appropriate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Is not suitable for a client who has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. This exercise may put a strain on the surgical site and cause discomfort or injury.
Choice B rationale:
Is also not appropriate for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves using the left hand extensively, which could potentially disrupt the healing process and cause pain.
Choice C rationale:
Is not recommended for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves significant upper body movement, which may not be well-tolerated after surgery, especially with lymph node dissection.
Choice D rationale:
This exercise is suitable for a postoperative mastectomy client as it helps in maintaining hand and arm mobility without putting excessive strain on the surgical site. It also aids in preventing complications like lymphedema, which is a potential concern after lymph node dissection.
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