A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse understand is a manifestation of bleeding?
Hypertension
2+ edema
Tachycardia
Crackles in lungs
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical sign of bleeding. In cases of significant blood loss, compensatory mechanisms usually lead to hypotension rather than hypertension due to reduced circulating volume. A hypertensive response may occur due to pain or stress but does not indicate hemorrhage.
B. 2+ edema: Postoperative edema can occur from fluid shifts, inflammation, or IV fluid administration but is not a direct indicator of active bleeding. Bleeding is more likely to cause signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia or hypotension, rather than localized swelling.
C. Tachycardia: A common early sign of bleeding, as the body compensates for decreased blood volume by increasing heart rate to maintain oxygen delivery. Persistent tachycardia in a postoperative client should raise suspicion for internal bleeding, especially if accompanied by hypotension or pallor.
D. Crackles in lungs: Crackles are usually linked to fluid overload, pneumonia, or heart failure rather than bleeding. Pulmonary congestion may develop after aggressive IV fluid resuscitation, but bleeding primarily manifests with hemodynamic instability rather than respiratory symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diminished breath sounds: A pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. This results in reduced air entry, causing diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side. Other symptoms may include dyspnea, tachypnea, and chest pain.
B. Distended neck veins: Neck vein distention is more commonly associated with conditions such as cardiac tamponade or superior vena cava syndrome. A pneumothorax typically causes respiratory distress rather than venous congestion. If a tension pneumothorax develops, neck vein distention may occur, but it is not an early or primary sign.
C. Irregular heart rate: While severe cases of pneumothorax can cause cardiovascular compromise due to pressure on the heart and great vessels, an irregular heart rate is not a direct or early indicator. Cardiac arrhythmias are more often seen with electrolyte imbalances, cardiac ischemia, or other primary heart conditions.
D. Itching over the incision: Itching at the catheter insertion site is a common postoperative reaction, often related to healing, adhesive irritation, or mild inflammation. It is not indicative of a pneumothorax, which primarily presents with respiratory distress and absent or diminished breath sounds.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will hold my cellphone on the opposite side of the pacemaker.": Cellphones emit electromagnetic signals that can interfere with pacemaker function if held directly over the device. Keeping the phone on the opposite side minimizes the risk of interference and ensures proper pacemaker function.
B. "I can resume physical activity within 2 weeks.": Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks to allow proper healing of the pacemaker site. Early resumption of activity can lead to lead dislodgement or complications.
C. "I need to cover my pacemaker with a dressing when I shower.": After the initial post-procedure period, there is no need to keep the pacemaker site covered while showering. The incision should be kept dry until it fully heals, but a permanent dressing is unnecessary.
D. "I should avoid using a microwave oven.": Modern pacemakers are shielded against microwave interference, making it safe to use a microwave. This is a common misconception, as older pacemakers were more susceptible to electrical interference.
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