A nurse is caring for a client who had total hip arthroplasty 1 day ago and is receiving morphine sulfate by PCA pump for pain control. The client reports nausea and vomiting. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?
Provide an antiemetic.
Make the client NPO.
Administer a stimulant laxative.
Auscultate bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Provide an antiemetic.
While providing an antiemetic can help alleviate the client's nausea and vomiting, it is not the priority action. Assessment should come first to determine the underlying cause.
B. Make the client NPO.
Making the client NPO might be necessary if there is concern about bowel obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues, but this decision should be based on an initial assessment, such as auscultating bowel sounds.
C. Administer a stimulant laxative.
Administering a stimulant laxative is not appropriate at this stage without first assessing bowel sounds. It could potentially worsen the situation if there is a bowel obstruction.
D. Auscultate bowel sounds.
The priority in this situation is to assess for possible complications such as bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus, which can occur postoperatively and can be exacerbated by opioid use. Auscultating bowel sounds helps determine the presence of normal, hypoactive, or absent bowel sounds, guiding further management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.
This is not recommended as using a blow dryer on a cast can cause burns. Instead, the cast should be allowed to air-dry or be dried with a fan.
B. Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast.
Inserting objects, including cotton swabs, under the cast can lead to complications such as infection or skin damage. It is not recommended to insert anything into the cast.
C. Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.
This is the correct instruction. Persistent or increasing pain can indicate complications such as swelling, infection, or neurovascular compromise. It is important for the client to promptly report any changes in pain to healthcare providers.
D. Avoid moving the affected leg.
While it's important to limit movement to allow for proper healing, complete immobilization can lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Gentle range-of-motion exercises for non-weight-bearing areas may be encouraged, but any specific movement instructions should be provided by the healthcare provider. If movement causes significant pain or discomfort, the client should consult the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The ropes are in the center of the wheel grooves.
Having the ropes in the center of the wheel grooves is appropriate and ensures proper alignment within the pulley system. This is not a problem that needs correction.
B. The weights rest against the foot of the bed.
This is the correct choice for correction. Allowing the weights to rest against the foot of the bed can alter the amount of force applied to the skeletal structures and compromise the effectiveness of the traction. The weights should hang freely and move within the pulley system.
C. The weights are equal on each side.
Having equal weights on each side is generally appropriate and helps maintain proper balance in the traction system. This is not a problem that needs correction.
D. The ropes attach securely to the pin.
Secure attachment of the ropes to the pin is essential for maintaining proper traction. This is not a problem that needs correction if the attachment is secure.
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