A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy.
Vital Signs 1800:
Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 104/min
Respiratory rate 22/min
Blood pressure 142/80 mm Hg O2 saturation 97% on room air 1800:
Client alert and oriented x 4
Skin warm and dry
Lungs clear on auscultation
Bowel sounds hypoactive in all four quadrants Urine clear yellow
Incisional dressing clean and dry
Client reports pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
1815:
Morphine administered as prescribed
2000:
Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 24/min
Blood pressure 158/88 mm Hg O2 saturation 93% on room air.
Which of the following 4 client findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Bowel sounds
Oxygen saturation
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain level
Heart rate
Incision characteristics
Lungs sounds
Correct Answer : B,C,E,F
- A. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all four quadrants, which is expected after an appendectomy due to anesthesia and decreased peristalsis. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- B. Oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This could indicate impaired gas exchange, respiratory depression, or infection. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- C. Nausea is a common feature of appendicitis and should go away with appendectomy. This finding should, therefore, be reported to the healthcare provider.
- D. Vomiting is also a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.
- E. Pain level is 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client received morphine as prescribed at 1815, and the pain level is still significant. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider
- F. Heart rate is 110/min, which is above the normal range of 60 to 100/min. This could indicate pain, anxiety, dehydration, infection, or bleeding. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.
- G. Incision characteristics are clean and dry, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any signs of infection are present.
- H. Lungs sounds are clear on auscultation, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any abnormal lung sounds are heard such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to manage their blood glucose levels and administer insulin at home.
- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is beneficial, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin dose accordingly.
- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is essential, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which can have serious complications.
- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the priority. The nurse should teach the client about the types, actions, doses, and administration times of insulin, as well as how to store and dispose of it safely.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Beginning ball squeezing exercises is not advisable immediately after a modified radical mastectomy. The client's arm on the affected side needs time to heal, and strenuous exercises can strain the surgical site, increase pain, and potentially disrupt the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Wearing a bra with wire support is not recommended, especially in the early postoperative period. Underwire bras can irritate the surgical site and interfere with the healing process. Patients are usually advised to wear soft, non-underwire bras or special post-surgical bras designed for comfort and support.
Choice C rationale:
Avoiding the use of the affected arm for eating is the correct instruction. Protecting the surgical site and preventing strain is essential for proper healing. Encouraging the client to use the opposite arm for activities like eating can minimize movement in the affected area, reducing the risk of complications.
Choice D rationale:
Using deodorant under the affected arm is not recommended immediately after surgery. The surgical site needs to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing. Deodorants, especially those containing chemicals or fragrances, can irritate the skin and increase the risk of complications. Patients are usually advised to avoid applying any products to the surgical area until it is fully healed.
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