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. Provide a diet high in protein.
During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI), there is a risk of electrolyte imbalances, including elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Restricting protein intake is often recommended during this phase to manage azotemia and prevent the accumulation of waste products that the kidneys may struggle to excrete.
B. Provide ibuprofen for retroperitoneal discomfort.
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated in AKI. They can further compromise renal function and may contribute to acute tubular necrosis. NSAIDs can also affect renal blood flow, leading to worsening kidney function.
C. Monitor intake and output hourly.
Monitoring intake and output (I&O) is a critical nursing intervention during the oliguric phase of AKI. Hourly monitoring helps assess renal function, fluid balance, and the effectiveness of interventions. It allows for early detection of changes that may require prompt intervention.
D. Encourage the client to consume at least 2 L of fluid daily.
In the oliguric phase of AKI, fluid intake is often restricted to prevent fluid overload. Encouraging excessive fluid intake may contribute to fluid retention and worsen the oliguria. Fluid management is carefully regulated based on the individual client's needs and renal function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction."
This statement is not accurate. Both skeletal and skin traction carry some risk of infection, but the risk factors and considerations are different for each. Skeletal traction involves pins or wires directly inserted into the bone, and while the risk of infection is present, it is not necessarily lower than that of skin traction.
B. "Clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction."
This statement is not accurate. Skeletal traction, involving the use of weights and pins or wires inserted into the bone, tends to provide more stable immobilization. Skin traction, which relies on external devices applied to the skin's surface, may allow for some limited mobility but is generally not as effective as skeletal traction.
C. "Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture."
This is the correct statement. Skeletal traction is often more effective in providing a stable and controlled environment for reducing and immobilizing fractures.
D. "Clients in skin traction have more discomfort than those in skeletal traction."
This statement is not necessarily accurate. Discomfort can vary depending on the individual, the type of fracture, and other factors. Both skeletal and skin traction may cause some discomfort, and it's important to assess and manage the client's pain appropriately in either case.
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