A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding will alert the nurse to a potential wound dehiscence?

Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site

Report by patient that something has given way

Drainage that is odorous and purulent

Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site:
While chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site can be a sign of wound complications, such as infection or poor wound healing, it is not as specific an indicator of impending wound dehiscence as the patient's report of "something giving way."

B. Report by patient that something has given way:
A patient reporting that something has given way is a significant indicator of potential wound dehiscence. Wound dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound, which can occur due to various factors such as poor wound healing, infection, or increased intra-abdominal pressure. Patients may describe a sensation of "something giving way" or "popping" if the wound starts to separate.

C. Drainage that is odorous and purulent:
Odorous and purulent drainage from an incision site may indicate an infection, which can contribute to wound dehiscence. However, this finding alone may not necessarily indicate immediate wound dehiscence.

D. Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening:
Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening is a severe complication known as evisceration, which is the most advanced stage of wound dehiscence. While this finding is indicative of a significant wound complication, it typically occurs after the initial separation of wound layers. Therefore, it is not an early sign that would alert the nurse to potential wound dehiscence

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Dysrhythmias:
Straining while defecating can trigger the Valsalva maneuver, which involves taking a deep breath and bearing down. This can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return to the heart, and subsequently a sudden drop in blood pressure when the strain is released. These changes can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, particularly in older adults or those with underlying heart conditions.

B) Dilated pupils:
Dilated pupils are not a known consequence of straining while defecating. Pupillary dilation is typically associated with responses to low light, certain medications, or neurological conditions, rather than gastrointestinal strain.

C) Gastric ulcer:
Gastric ulcers are caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive stomach acid. Straining during defecation does not contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.

D) Diarrhea:
Straining while defecating is more likely to be associated with constipation rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea involves frequent, loose, or watery stools, whereas straining typically occurs due to hard stools and difficulty passing them.

A. Increase hematocrit B. Increased temperature C. Increased heart rate D. Increased respiratory rate E. Increased blood pressure

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A) Increase hematocrit: Fluid overload typically results in dilutional effects on the blood, leading to a decrease in hematocrit rather than an increase. Hematocrit levels may decrease due to the relative decrease in the concentration of red blood cells in relation to plasma.

B) Increased temperature: Fluid overload is not typically associated with an increase in body temperature. While fever can occur as a result of infection, it is not a direct manifestation of fluid overload.

C) Increased heart rate: Fluid overload can lead to increased blood volume, which results in an increased workload for the heart. As a compensatory mechanism, the heart rate may increase to maintain adequate cardiac output.

D) Increased respiratory rate: Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion and impair gas exchange in the lungs, leading to respiratory distress. As a result, the respiratory rate may increase as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased oxygenation.

E) Increased blood pressure: Fluid overload can lead to an increase in blood volume, which results in increased pressure within the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure may rise as the heart works harder to pump the excess fluid throughout the body.

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A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding will alert the nurse to a potential wound dehiscence?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for an older adult client. The nurse informs the client that straining while defecating can cause which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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