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 A
Explanation
- A. Correct. The nurse should turn off the CPM machine during mealtime, as it can interfere with the client's ability to eat and drink comfortably. The nurse should also turn off the CPM machine when transferring or repositioning the client, or when performing wound care or other interventions on the affected leg.
- B. Incorrect. The nurse should maintain the client's affected hip in a neutral position, as external rotation can cause malalignment of the prosthesis and impair healing. The nurse should use pillows or wedges to support the leg and prevent rotation or abduction of the hip joint.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client how to adjust the CPM settings, as this can compromise the prescribed range of motion and speed of the device. The nurse should follow the provider's orders and check with them before making any changes to the CPM settings. The nurse should also monitor the client's pain level and administer analgesics as needed to facilitate compliance with the therapy.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should not store the CPM machine under the client's bed when not in use, as this can pose a safety hazard and damage the equipment. The nurse should place the CPM machine on a stable surface near the bed and ensure that it is plugged into a grounded outlet and has adequate battery backup in case of power failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A is correct because aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy and guides dosage adjustments.
- B is incorrect because PT (prothrombin time) measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, not heparin.
- C is incorrect because INR (international normalized ratio) is a standardized version of PT that also monitors warfarin therapy, not heparin.
- D is incorrect because WBC count (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune response and has no relation to heparin therapy.
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