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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.

Choice B rationale:

Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.

Choice C rationale:

Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

A. Constipation B. Urinary urgency C. Cervical laceration D. Retained placenta

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Constipation is not a common complication of vacuum-assisted birth. It may be related to other factors such as dehydration, opioid use, or decreased mobility.
B. Urinary urgency is not a common complication of vacuum-assisted birth. It may be related to other factors such as bladder trauma, infection, or diuretic use.
C. Cervical laceration is a common complication of vacuum-assisted birth. It occurs when the vacuum cup causes damage to the cervix during delivery. It can lead to bleeding, infection, or cervical incompetence in future pregnancies.
D. Retained placenta is not a common complication of vacuum-assisted birth. It may be related to other factors such as placenta accreta, uterine atony, or manual removal of the placenta.

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A nurse is caring for a client who had abdominal surgery 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

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