A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an endoscopy with moderate (conscious) sedation.
Which of the following assessment findings is the nurse's priority?
Level of pain.
Gag reflex.
Warmth of extremities.
Temperature.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse’s priority should be to assess the client’s gag reflex.

After an endoscopy with moderate (conscious) sedation, it is important to ensure that the client’s gag reflex has returned before allowing them to eat or drink.
Choice A is incorrect because while pain management is important, it is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Choice C is incorrect because the warmth of extremities is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Choice D is incorrect because temperature is not the nurse’s priority in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“The client’s capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.” Capillary refill time is the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure has been applied to the skin.

A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
A capillary refill time of 6 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the left toe and requires immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice B is not the correct answer because while a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site is concerning, it does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice C is not the correct answer because an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F) is only slightly elevated and does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice D is not the correct answer because while 100 mL of blood in a closed-suction drain may be concerning, it does not necessarily require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should include this intervention in the plan of care because it can help relieve pressure on the reddened areas over the client’s bony prominences and prevent the development of pressure injuries.
Choice A is incorrect because applying an occlusive dressing to intact skin over bony prominences is not an appropriate intervention for preventing pressure injuries.
Choice B is incorrect because turning and repositioning the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough to prevent the development of pressure injuries.
The client should be turned and repositioned more frequently, at least every 2 hours.
Choice D is incorrect because massaging reddened areas over bony prominences is not recommended as it can cause further damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
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