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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Adjust the crutches for comfort as needed. This is incorrect because the crutches should be adjusted to fit the client's height and arm length, and should not be changed without proper guidance.
- B. Use a three-point gait. This is correct because this gait allows the client to avoid putting weight on the affected leg and maintain balance and stability.
- C. Wear leather-soled shoes. This is incorrect because leather-soled shoes can be slippery and increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- D. Advance the affected leg first when walking upstairs. This is incorrect because the client should advance the unaffected leg first when walking upstairs, and the affected leg first when walking downstairs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Maintain sterile objects within the line of vision.
- A. Hold hands folded below the waist after donning sterile gloves. This is incorrect because holding hands below the waist can contaminate the gloves with microorganisms from the floor or clothing.
- B. Pick up and pour solutions with the palm of the hand covering bottle labels. This is incorrect because covering bottle labels can obscure important information such as expiration dates or ingredients.
- C. Keep sterile items within a 1.3 cm (0.5 in) border of the sterile drape. This is incorrect because the border of the sterile drape is considered contaminated and any sterile item that touches it becomes contaminated as well.
- D. Maintain sterile objects within the line of vision. This is correct because keeping an eye on sterile objects ensures that they are not accidentally touched by nonsterile items or persons.
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