A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following bowel resection and reports sudden, severe abdominal pain.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Expose the client's abdomen to look for changes in appearance.
Determine areas of resonance across the abdomen using a systematic approach.
Use the diaphragm of a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds.
Perform abdominal palpation by pressing gently with the finger pads.
The Correct Answer is A
After postoperative surgery, chances of infections are very high also discharges, color changes, etc.
So it is important to expose the client’s abdomen to look for changes in appearance.
Choice B is not the answer because determining areas of resonance across the abdomen using a systematic approach is not the first action that should be taken 1.
Choice C is not the answer because using the diaphragm of a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds is not the first action that should be taken 1.
Choice D is not the answer because performing abdominal palpation by pressing gently with the finger pads is not the first action that should be taken 1.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Thirst is a common symptom of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in clients with diabetes mellitus.
Choice B is wrong because confusion can be a symptom of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Choice C is wrong because shakiness is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice D is wrong because cool skin is not a common symptom of hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“Potassium 5.8 mEq/L” should be reported to the provider because it is higher than the normal range for potassium levels in the blood.
Normal potassium levels range from.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)1.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sodium levels of 140 mEq/L, and magnesium levels of.9 mEq/L and calcium levels of 9.6 mg/dL are all within normal ranges and do not need to be reported to the provider.
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