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?
Perform abdominal palpation by pressing gently with the finger pads.
Determine areas of resonance across the abdomen using a systematic approach.
Expose the client's abdomen to look for changes in appearance.
Use the diaphragm of a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Palpation can help assess for tenderness, rigidity, or masses in the abdomen, which might indicate infection, bleeding, or other complications. However, palpation could potentially worsen a condition such as an evisceration or dehiscence, or cause additional pain. Therefore, palpation should be done only after the visual inspection and with great caution in the presence of severe pain.
Choice B reason:
Percussion is useful for assessing the presence of gas, fluid, or solid masses in the abdomen. Resonance might indicate normal air-filled intestines, while dullness could suggest fluid or mass. However, percussion is not the first action in an acute setting of sudden severe pain because it does not provide immediate information that could be life-saving. It is a later step in the physical examination.
Choice C reason:
Visual inspection is the first step because it can quickly reveal critical signs such as swelling, distention, redness, or evidence of wound complications like dehiscence or evisceration. Identifying these signs early allows for rapid intervention, which could be life-saving. This is why exposing and inspecting the abdomen is the priority in the context of sudden severe pain following surgery.
Choice D reason:
Listening for bowel sounds can provide information about the function of the gastrointestinal system. Absence of bowel sounds might suggest a paralytic ileus, while hyperactive sounds could indicate a bowel obstruction. However, in the context of sudden, severe abdominal pain postoperatively, auscultation is not the first priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The cephalic vein on the back of the right hand is incorrect because it might still involve the same arm as the mastectomy site, and it is important to avoid this side.
Choice B reason:
The radial vein on the left wrist is incorrect because it is not on the opposite side of the mastectomy and could increase the risk of lymphedema.
Choice C reason:
The basilic vein in the right antecubital fossa is the appropriate answer. When inserting an IV catheter for a client who has undergone a right mastectomy, it is generally advisable to avoid the arm on the same side as the mastectomy due to the risk of lymphedema and impaired lymphatic drainage. The basilic vein in the right antecubital fossa (the inner bend of the right elbow) would be a suitable choice in this case, as it is on the opposite side of the mastectomy.
Choice D reason:
The cephalic vein in the left distal forearm is on the same side as the mastectomy and should be avoided to reduce the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Sodium 140 mEq/L is incorrect because it falls within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L).
Choice B reason:
A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is appropriate because it is above the normal range (typically around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Elevated potassium levels, known as hyperkalaemia, can lead to serious cardiac disturbances, including arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. It is important to notify the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the high potassium level.
Choice C reason:
Calcium 9.6 mg/dL is incorrect because it is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL).
Choice D reason:
Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L is incorrect because it is within the normal range (1.5-2.5 mEq/L).
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