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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Red streaks along the incision. This is a possible sign of infection and should be reported to the healthcare provider. A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not require reporting. Serosanguineous drainage at the incision site is normal within the first few days postoperatively. Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants can indicate ileus, which is a possible complication following abdominal surgery, but it is not an immediate concern and can be monitored unless other symptoms arise.
Choice A: A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not require reporting.
Choice B: Serosanguineous drainage at the incision site is normal within the first few days postoperatively.
Choice D: Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants can indicate ileus, which is a possible complication following abdominal surgery, but it is not an immediate concern and can be monitored unless other symptoms arise.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Inform the client to seek medical attention following administration of the injection.
Choice A reason: Reviewing the signs of anaphylaxis with the client is important, but it’s not the priority. The client must first know what to do in case of an emergency.
Choice B reason: Instructing the client to store the injector at room temperature is a part of the storage instructions, but it’s not the immediate action to take during an anaphylactic reaction.
Choice C reason: This is the priority because anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition and even after administering epinephrine, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: Having the client perform a return demonstration of the equipment is a good teaching method, but it’s not the immediate action to take when an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
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