A nurse is caring for a client who had abdominal surgery 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Assess fluid intake every 24 hr.
Ambulate three times a day.
Assist with deep breathing and coughing.
Monitor the incision site for findings of infection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.
B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.
C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.
D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Wrapping the cord with petroleum gauze is not recommended. Handling the cord directly can lead to vasospasm and worsen the situation.Choice B reason:
The Trendelenburg position involves placing the mother with her head lower than her pelvis. This position helps to alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and compromising blood flow to the baby. Additionally, the nurse should also manually elevate the presenting part of the fetus off the umbilical cord to further relieve pressure. These actions can help mitigate the potential complications associated with umbilical cord prolapse until further medical interventions can be implemented.Choice C reason:
Evaluate uterine tone. While evaluating uterine tone is an important part of the overall assessment during labour, it is not the priority action in the case of umbilical cord prolapse. The immediate concern is to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D reason:
Option D: Apply fundal pressure. Fundal pressure should not be applied during umbilical cord prolapse as it may push the baby's presenting part further onto the cord, worsening the situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Increased urinary frequency Increased urinary frequency is not a typical adverse effect of sertraline. However, some individuals may experience changes in urinary habits due to various factors, but it is not directly related to sertraline use.
Choice B reason
Dry cough Dry cough is not a commonly reported adverse effect of sertraline. Cough is not a typical symptom associated with this medication.
Choice C reason
Metallic taste in the mouth While some individuals may experience changes in taste as a side effect of sertraline, a metallic taste in the mouth is not one of the commonly reported adverse effects. Taste changes are usually mild and temporary.
Choice D reason
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While most individuals tolerate sertraline well, it can cause certain adverse effects, and excessive sweating (also known as diaphoresis) is one of them.
Excessive sweating is a common side effect of sertraline and other SSRIs. It can manifest as increased sweating during the day or night, even in cooler environments. The degree of sweating can vary among individuals, and some may experience it more than others.
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