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 C
Explanation
This is a contraindication for receiving magnet therapy for pain relief because the magnetic field generated by the therapy can interfere with the functioning of the implanted defibrillator.
Choice A is wrong because having a prescription for metoprolol is not a contraindication for receiving magnet therapy for pain relief.
Choice B is wrong because being allergic to penicillin is not a contraindication for receiving magnet therapy for pain relief.
Choice D is wrong because having a history of alcohol use disorder is not a contraindication for receiving magnet therapy for pain relief.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The first two actions the nurse should take are to review the client’s medical history and assess for symptoms.
This can help determine if further testing or treatment is necessary.

Choice A is wrong because the test results are negative, so initiating treatment for TB is not necessary.
Choice B is wrong because repeating the tests may not provide any additional information.
Choice D is wrong because educating the client about TB prevention and management may not be necessary if the client does not have TB.
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