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 C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A random plasma glucose level of 176 mg/dL indicates high blood sugar at the time of the test. Random glucose levels are not ideal for assessing glycemic control as they can vary based on recent food intake and stressors.

Choice B rationale:

Triglyceride levels are not used to assess glycemic control. They measure the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream and are related to lipid metabolism, not glucose control.

Choice C rationale:

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. An HbA1c level of 6.8% indicates acceptable glycemic control in a person with diabetes. The normal range for HbA1c is typically less than 6.5%. This test reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, giving a better understanding of overall glucose control.

Choice D rationale:

Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated. While fasting blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are generally considered normal, levels between 100-125 mg/dL are considered prediabetic, and levels above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions indicate diabetes. The result provided falls within the prediabetic range but does not indicate optimal glycemic control.

A. The adolescent's parents have concerns regarding the surgery B. The adolescent's blood pressure is 131/89 mm Hg C. The adolescent reports severe pain D. The adolescent has not voided in 4 hr

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The adolescent has not voided in 4 hr.

Rationale:

A. The nurse should not address the parents' concerns and provide education and support, but refer the concerns to the provider to address the concerns about the surgical procedure.
B. The adolescent's blood pressure is 131/89 mm Hg. This is not a correct answer because this blood pressure is within the normal range for an adolescent and does not indicate any complications or adverse effects from the injury or medication.
C. The adolescent reports severe pain. This is not a correct answer because the nurse should administer morphine as prescribed for pain relief, but this is not a priority finding that requires immediate intervention or reporting to the provider. The nurse should also monitor the adolescent's pain level and response to medication, and use nonpharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety.
D.Although this may raise concerns about renal injury, it is no a contraindication or cause for delay for the emergency surgical procedure.

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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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