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 B
Explanation
A. Change the tubing set every 72 hr:Continuous enteral feeding tubing sets should generally be changed every 24 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Changing every 72 hours is too long and increases infection risk.
B. Aspirate residual volume every 4 hr:Aspiration of residual volume every 4 hours is standard practice when providing continuous enteral feedings. This ensures the client is tolerating the feedings and helps prevent aspiration or overfeeding. Large residual volumes may indicate poor gastric emptying.
C. Flush the tubing with 10 mL of water every 2 hr:The tubing should be flushed with 30 mL of water every 4-6 hours (depending on protocol), not just 10 mL, to maintain tube patency and prevent clogging.
D. Heat the formula to 40.5° C (105° F):Formula should not be heated to such a high temperature. It should be administered at room temperature to avoid discomfort and potential damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To calculate the dose of gentamicin to administer to a client who weighs 220 Ib, first convert the client’s weight from pounds to kilograms.
220 Ib is equivalent to 100 kg (220 Ib /.2 Ib/kg = 100 kg).
Then, multiply the client’s weight in kilograms by the dose of gentamicin per kilogram: 100 kg * 2 mg/kg = 200 mg.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 200 mg of gentamicin.
Choice B is wrong because 180 mg is not the correct dose.
Choice C is wrong because 400 mg is not the correct dose.
Choice D is wrong because 440 mg is not the correct dose.
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