A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Report of shoulder pain
Thick, green-brown drainage on dressing
Incisional pain 5 out of 10 on a pain scale
Abdominal dressing dry and intact
The Correct Answer is B
This finding could indicate the presence of bile leakage, which can occur following a cholecystectomy. The provider should be notified immediately as the client may require further interventions. Incisional pain, shoulder pain, and a dry and intact abdominal dressing are expected findings in the postoperative period.
Choice C, incisional pain 5 out of 10 on a pain scale, is not the correct answer because this level of pain is within the expected range for the postoperative period.
Choice D, abdominal dressing dry and intact, is not the correct answer because this is an expected finding in the postoperative period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, a client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating. This client requires immediate attention as a separating incision can indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration, which are surgical emergencies. Choice A is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention. Choice C is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition. Choice D is incorrect because the client fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which indicates a low level of pain.
Choice A: A client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention.
Choice C: A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition.
Choice D: A client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is incorrect because the level of pain is low and does not require immediate attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Monitor for at least 150 mL of drainage every hour. The nurse should monitor the chest tube drainage for excessive or sudden increases in order to detect any complications, such as pneumothorax. Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications. Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided. The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
Choice B: Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications.
Choice C: Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided.
Choice D: The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
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