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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Determining the client's understanding of the procedure is important as it ensures informed consent and can help alleviate anxiety. However, while this is a necessary part of preoperative care, it may not be the immediate priority¹.

Choice B reason:
Establishing the need for psychological support is a valuable aspect of holistic care. It addresses the client's emotional well-being and can improve overall satisfaction with the surgical experience. Nonetheless, it is not the primary focus of the preoperative assessment².

Choice C reason:
Identifying possible surgical risks is the priority in a preoperative assessment. This includes evaluating the client's medical history, current health status, and any factors that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. A thorough risk assessment is crucial for planning safe surgical care and for making decisions about proceeding with the surgery¹³.

Choice D reason:
Recognizing resources needed postoperatively is part of discharge planning and is essential for ensuring continuity of care. While it is an important consideration, it is not the immediate priority during the preoperative assessment².

A. "You will be able to resume your regular diet as soon as the test is complete." B. "After the procedure, you will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids." C. "High-frequency sound waves will be used to identify renal system structures." D. "The procedure will be canceled if the urinalysis indicates the presence of red blood cells."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Resuming a regular diet immediately after the test may not always be recommended. Depending on the individual's condition and the specific instructions from the healthcare provider, there may be dietary restrictions before or after the procedure.

Choice B reason:

Encouraging fluid intake after the procedure is important because it helps to flush out the contrast dye used during the IVP. Adequate hydration can aid in the elimination of the dye and reduce the risk of kidney damage, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Choice C reason:

This statement is incorrect. An IVP does not use high-frequency sound waves; it involves taking X-ray images of the urinary tract after a contrast dye is injected into a vein. The dye outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the X-ray images.

Choice D reason:

The presence of red blood cells in the urinalysis does not typically result in the cancellation of an IVP. However, certain conditions, such as an allergy to the contrast dye or severe kidney impairment, may contraindicate the use of an IVP.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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