A nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible. The client had intermaxillary fixation to repair and stabilize the fracture. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

Relieve the client's pain.

Promote oral hygiene

Ensure adequate nutrition

Prevent aspiration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Relieve the client's pain: While pain management is important for client comfort and recovery, it is not the priority immediately following intermaxillary fixation. Pain relief can be addressed once the more urgent concerns, such as preventing aspiration, are addressed.
B. Promote oral hygiene: Promoting oral hygiene is essential for preventing complications such as infection, but it is not the priority immediately after surgery and intermaxillary fixation. The client's airway and respiratory status should be the primary focus at this time.
C. Ensure adequate nutrition: Ensuring adequate nutrition is important for the client's overall recovery, but it is not the immediate priority after surgery and intermaxillary fixation. The priority is to prevent complications such as aspiration and maintain the client's airway.
D. Prevent aspiration: This is the priority action for the nurse. Intermaxillary fixation restricts the client's ability to open their mouth, increasing the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and that measures are in place to prevent aspiration, such as positioning the client appropriately and monitoring for signs of respiratory distress.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Apply 4 to 5 ml of liquid soap to the hands: This is the correct action. Applying an adequate amount of soap ensures effective cleaning of the hands. The recommended amount is typically 3 to 5 ml or enough to cover the entire surface of the hands.
B. Hold the hands higher than the elbows: This is incorrect. When performing hand hygiene, the hands should be held lower than the elbows to prevent water from running down the arms and contaminating previously cleaned areas.
C. Rub hands and arms to dry: This is incorrect. After washing the hands, they should be dried using a clean paper towel or air dryer. Rubbing hands and arms to dry is not recommended as it can lead to friction and potential skin irritation.
D. Adjust the water temperature to feel hot: This is incorrect. The water temperature should be warm, not hot, to prevent skin damage or discomfort. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation.

A. Yellow-green drainage on the surgical incision B. Blood pressure 102/66 mm Hg C. Straw colored urine from an indwelling urinary catheter D. Respiratory rate 18/min

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Yellow-green drainage from a surgical incision may indicate the presence of infection, especially if the drainage is purulent. This finding should be reported to the provider promptly for further evaluation and management to prevent complications such as wound infection or dehiscence.

A. Yellow-green drainage on the surgical incision: Yellow-green drainage suggests the presence of infection, which is a concerning finding in a postoperative client. It may indicate purulent drainage, which requires further assessment and possibly treatment with antibiotics.
B. Blood pressure 102/66 mm Hg: A blood pressure of 102/66 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult client and does not typically require immediate intervention. However, trends in blood pressure should be monitored, especially if the client is symptomatic or if there are significant changes from the client's baseline.
C. Straw-colored urine from an indwelling urinary catheter: Straw-colored urine is a normal finding and indicates adequate hydration and kidney function. As long as the urine output is adequate and there are no other signs of urinary tract issues, this finding does not typically require immediate reporting.
D. Respiratory rate 18/min: A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range for an adult client and does not typically require immediate intervention. However, it's important to assess the client's respiratory status comprehensively, including oxygen saturation and lung sounds, to ensure adequate ventilation.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible. The client had intermaxillary fixation to repair and stabilize the fracture. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a child who has otitis media. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is planning to apply a transdermal analgesic cream prior to inserting an IV for a preschool-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?

A newly licensed nurse is applying prescribed wrist restraints on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

A nurse is caring for a client who has named a person to serve as his health care proxy. The client talks about this type of advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for clarification?