A nurse is caring for a client who has prostate cancer and has undergone a prostatectomy. Which of the following should the nurse understand as a potential complication of prostate surgery?
Testicular torsion
Erectile dysfunction
Cystitis
Paralytic ileus
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Testicular torsion is a condition where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It is not a typical complication following a prostatectomy. Testicular torsion is generally an acute condition that affects younger males and is unrelated to prostate surgery.
Choice B reason:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after prostatectomy. The surgery can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control erections, leading to ED. While nerve-sparing techniques aim to reduce this risk, some degree of erectile dysfunction is still possible after the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder, can occur after a prostatectomy due to the use of a catheter or as a result of the surgery itself. However, it is not as common or as significant a long-term complication as erectile dysfunction.
Choice D reason:
Paralytic ileus, a temporary cessation of bowel movements, can occur after any abdominal surgery due to the manipulation of the intestines or as a side effect of anesthesia. While it can be a complication of prostatectomy, it is typically resolved within a few days to weeks after surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: An elevated oral temperature of 38.2°C (100.76°F) postoperatively can indicate an infection, which is a common complication after surgical procedures. In the context of TURP, a fever could suggest a urinary tract infection or sepsis, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as chills or an elevated white blood cell count.
Choice B reason: The output of burgundy-colored urine can be expected in the immediate postoperative period following a TURP due to bleeding. However, it should gradually lighten in color. Persistent or worsening hematuria could indicate a complication, but it is not uncommon to see some blood in the urine shortly after the procedure
Choice C reason: A pulse rate of 88/min is within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute) and is not typically indicative of a postoperative complication. It is important to consider the patient's baseline heart rate and any other symptoms they may be experiencing.
Choice D reason: Feeling an urge to void despite having an indwelling urinary catheter can occur due to bladder spasms or irritation from the catheter itself. While uncomfortable, this sensation is not uncommon after TURP and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bradycardia, or a heart rate that is slower than normal, is not a common finding in anemia. Anemia typically results in a compensatory increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia, to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
Choice B reason:
Diarrhea is not a direct symptom of anemia. While it can be a postoperative complication due to various reasons, such as medication side effects or infections, it is not a symptom associated with anemia resulting from excess blood loss.
Choice C reason:
Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of anemia, regardless of the cause. When anemia is due to excess blood loss, the body's oxygen-carrying capacity is diminished due to the reduced number of red blood cells. This leads to fatigue, as tissues and organs receive less oxygen than is needed for optimal function.
Choice D reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with anemia. In fact, anemia can sometimes lead to hypotension, or low blood pressure, because of the reduced volume of red blood cells in the circulatory system.
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