A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postoperative following an abdominal surgery and notes that the client's abdominal incision is open and the internal organs are protruding. After contacting the rapid response team, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Obtain a set of vital signs.
Flex the client's knees and hips.
Apply a moist saline dressing to the area.
Elevate the head of the client's bed 20°.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is c. Apply a moist saline dressing to the area.
Choice A reason: Obtaining a set of vital signs is important, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The vital signs will not address the protruding organs directly.
Choice B reason: Flexing the client’s knees and hips may provide comfort but does not directly address the issue of the open incision and protruding organs.
Choice C reason: Applying a moist saline dressing to the area is the correct action. It helps to protect the protruding organs by keeping them moist and reduces the risk of organ damage or infection. This is the priority action to keep the organs moist and reduce the risk of tissue damage until surgical repair can be done.
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the client’s bed 20° may be part of the overall care plan, but it is not the immediate priority when dealing with protruding organs from an open abdominal incision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client takes ibuprofen for headaches. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can result in a false positive result on a fecal occult blood test.
Option A is incorrect because breast cancer is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Option C is incorrect because citrus juice does not affect the fecal occult blood test.
Option D is incorrect because a hemorrhoidectomy is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Reasons why the other options are not answered:
Option A: Breast cancer is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Option C: Citrus juice does not affect the fecal occult blood test.
Option D: A hemorrhoidectomy is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D, "I should adjust the TENS unit until I feel a tingling sensation." This is an appropriate statement that indicates the client understands how to use the TENS unit. The TENS unit works by sending electrical impulses to the nerves to block pain signals. The client should adjust the unit until they feel a tingling sensation, which is the desired effect.
"The TENS unit administers a continuous dose of pain medication" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit does not administer medication.
"I will need to charge the TENS unit for 2 hours each day" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit is battery operated and does not need to be charged.
"The TENS unit should be applied at least 6 inches from the actual site of my pain" is not the correct answer because the electrodes should be placed directly on the site of the pain.
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