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 ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Increased hematocrit levels are not typically associated with fluid overload. In fact, hematocrit may decrease in fluid overload due to hemodilution, where the volume of plasma increases, diluting the concentration of red blood cells.
Choice B reason:
An increased respiratory rate can be a sign of fluid overload. As fluid accumulates in the body, it can lead to pulmonary edema, which is the buildup of fluid in the lung's air sacs. This can impair gas exchange and lead to increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygenation.
Choice C reason:
Increased blood pressure is a common finding in fluid overload. As the volume of fluid in the bloodstream increases, it can lead to higher blood pressure due to the extra fluid that the heart must pump and the increased resistance in the blood vessels.
Choice D reason:
Increased temperature is not a direct finding associated with fluid overload. While fever may indicate an infection or other conditions, it is not specifically related to the volume of fluid in the body.
Choice E reason:
An increased heart rate may occur in fluid overload as the heart works harder to pump the excess volume of blood through the body. This compensatory mechanism aims to maintain adequate circulation and blood pressure despite the increased fluid volume.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreased hemoglobin (Hgb) levels can be indicative of anemia or blood loss, but they are not typically associated with fluid volume deficit. In cases of fluid volume deficit, the Hgb concentration may actually appear elevated due to hemoconcentration as the plasma volume decreases.
Choice B reason:
Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are expected in a fluid volume deficit because as the blood volume decreases, the concentration of solutes like urea can increase. This is often due to decreased renal perfusion and subsequent reduced renal function, leading to less urea being excreted through the kidneys.
Choice C reason:
Increased urine ketones are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis or starvation, not directly with fluid volume deficit. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fats for energy, which is not a process directly related to fluid volume status.
Choice D reason:
Decreased urine specific gravity would not be expected in fluid volume deficit; in fact, one would expect the opposite. Specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. In fluid volume deficit, the urine specific gravity would likely be increased as the body attempts to conserve water.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today