A nurse is collecting data from a child who is 1 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Frequent swallowing
Report of sore throat
Dark brown blood between the teeth
Coffee-ground appearance of emesis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Frequent swallowing: Frequent swallowing after a tonsillectomy can be a sign of active bleeding from the surgical site. Even if bleeding is not visible, the child may be swallowing blood, which can lead to significant hemorrhage. This is the priority finding that requires immediate intervention.
B. Report of sore throat: A sore throat is an expected and normal finding after a tonsillectomy due to surgical trauma and healing. It does not represent an urgent or life-threatening complication.
C. Dark brown blood between the teeth: Dark brown blood suggests old, minimal bleeding and is not as concerning as active bright red bleeding. While it should be monitored, it is not the priority compared to signs of active hemorrhage.
D. Coffee-ground appearance of emesis: Coffee-ground emesis suggests the presence of digested blood, often from swallowed blood, and while concerning, it is a secondary finding. Frequent swallowing points more directly to active bleeding, which is more immediately life-threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Attach a blood pressure cuff to the client's upper arm: A blood pressure cuff is not involved in obtaining a 12-lead ECG. Although blood pressure may be assessed separately, it is not part of the ECG procedure itself and would not aid in capturing accurate cardiac electrical activity.
B. Assist the client to the orthopneic position: The orthopneic position, which involves leaning forward, is used to ease breathing difficulties, not for ECG recording. For an ECG, the client should be lying flat or in a semi-reclined supine position to ensure consistent and accurate electrode placement.
C. Tell the client to expect a mild stinging sensation during the test: A 12-lead ECG is a painless, non-invasive procedure. Electrodes are applied to the skin's surface to measure electrical activity; there should be no pain or stinging involved unless the skin is abraded during preparation.
D. Instruct the client to remain as still as possible during the recording: Movement can cause artifacts on the ECG tracing, making it difficult to interpret accurately. Instructing the client to stay still helps ensure a clean recording and minimizes interference from muscle tremors or motion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A client who has a urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection is generally straightforward to manage with antibiotics and does not usually require input from multiple disciplines unless complications arise.
B. A client who has a spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury often involves complex care needs requiring input from several disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and nutrition services. Coordinated planning is essential to optimize recovery and long-term management.
C. A client who has acute appendicitis: Acute appendicitis typically requires prompt surgical intervention but does not usually require an interprofessional conference unless there are unusual complications or comorbidities.
D. A client who has a torn rotator cuff: A torn rotator cuff is typically managed with surgical repair or physical therapy. While it may involve multiple providers, it generally does not require a full interprofessional conference unless extensive rehabilitation needs are anticipated.
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