A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with an intravenous (IV) fluid infusion and a nasogastric (NG) tube in place following abdominal surgery. Which of the following data is the priority for the nurse to assess?
The coping ability of the client
The client's bowel sounds
The patency of the NG tube
The surgical dressing
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Assessing the coping ability of the client is important, but it is not the immediate priority following abdominal surgery. The nurse must first ensure that the client's physiological needs are met and that there are no immediate postoperative complications.
Choice B reason:
While monitoring bowel sounds can provide valuable information about the return of gastrointestinal function, it is not the most immediate concern postoperatively. The nurse should prioritize assessments that ensure the client's safety and immediate physiological stability.
Choice C reason:
Ensuring the patency of the NG tube is the priority assessment. A patent NG tube is crucial for decompressing the stomach, preventing nausea and vomiting, and reducing the risk of aspiration, which can be life-threatening. It is also essential for the removal of gastric secretions and to prevent abdominal distention, which can compromise the surgical site and lead to complications such as wound dehiscence.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the surgical dressing is important to check for signs of bleeding or infection. However, the patency of the NG tube takes precedence as it is directly related to the client's airway and breathing, which are always the top priorities in postoperative care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is misleading. While many herbal therapies are generally considered safe, they can have side effects and interact with other medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal therapy.
Choice B reason:
This statement is accurate. Many herbal products have not been subjected to rigorous long-term testing that is required for conventional medications. Therefore, their long-term safety and efficacy profiles are not always well-established.
Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Some herbal therapies have been found to be beneficial in reducing menopausal discomfort, such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Choice D reason:
This statement is not advisable without further assessment. While some herbal therapies may help with menopausal symptoms, it is important for the client to discuss with a healthcare provider to consider personal health history, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A BUN level of 8 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL are within normal ranges for a healthy individual without kidney disease. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), we would expect these values to be elevated due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter waste products from the blood.
Choice B reason:
A BUN level of 45 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 8 mg/dL are significantly higher than the normal range, which is consistent with impaired kidney function seen in CKD. These elevated levels indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering urea and creatinine from the blood, leading to their accumulation.
Choice C reason:
A BUN level of 23 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL could be seen in the early stages of CKD. While the creatinine level is within the normal range, the BUN level is slightly elevated, which may suggest a decline in kidney function.
Choice D reason:
A BUN level of 10 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL are both below the normal range. This is an unlikely finding for a patient with CKD, as kidney impairment typically leads to increased levels of these substances in the blood.
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