A nurse is collecting data on a patient who is postoperative following aortic valve replacement. Which of the following tasks should the nurse prioritize during data collection?
Check the level of the client's pain.
Check the client's blood pressure.
Check the client's bowel sounds.
Check the client's catheter insertion site.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Pain assessment is a critical priority for postoperative patients. After aortic valve replacement surgery, patients may experience discomfort or pain related to the incision site, chest tube placement, or other surgical interventions. Pain assessment allows the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management strategies, adjust medications as needed, and ensure the patient's comfort and well-being. Pain can also impact vital signs and overall recovery, so addressing it promptly is essential.
Choice B reason: Monitoring blood pressure is important, but it is not the highest priority immediately after surgery. Blood pressure assessment is part of routine postoperative care, but it does not directly address the patient's immediate comfort or potential complications. However, if the patient's blood pressure becomes significantly abnormal, it would require immediate attention.
Choice C reason: Checking bowel sounds is relevant for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it is not the top priority immediately postoperatively. Bowel sounds may be diminished initially due to anesthesia, surgical manipulation, or bowel rest. However, assessing pain and other vital signs takes precedence over bowel sounds in the immediate recovery period.
Choice D reason: Assessing the catheter insertion site is essential, especially if the patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. However, it is not the highest priority immediately after aortic valve replacement. Pain assessment and monitoring for complications related to surgery (such as bleeding, infection, or cardiac issues) take precedence. The catheter site can be assessed during routine nursing care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : A low sodium diet is often prescribed for patients with heart conditions to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention. It is not typically something that would need to be questioned in the context of recent pacemaker surgery.
Choice B reason : Checking serum cardiac enzyme levels is a common practice after heart surgery to monitor for any signs of damage to the heart muscle. This would not typically be questioned unless there were specific contraindications for the patient.
Choice C reason : An MRI of the chest should be questioned because MRI machines use strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker. Unless the pacemaker is specifically labeled as MRI-safe, this type of imaging could be dangerous for the patient.
Choice D reason : Physical therapy is a standard part of recovery after many types of surgery, including pacemaker insertion, to help the patient regain strength and mobility. It would not typically be questioned unless the patient had specific restrictions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Recently treated bilateral pneumonia is not a contraindication to metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used primarily for the management of hypertension and is not affected by a history of pneumonia.
Choice B reason : While tadalafil is known to interact with medications that lower blood pressure, it is not a direct contraindication to metoprolol. However, caution is advised when they are used concurrently due to the potential for additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Choice C reason : Diabetes mellitus Type 2, especially when diet-controlled, is not a contraindication to metoprolol. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can mask hypoglycemic symptoms, so patients with diabetes should be monitored closely, but it does not preclude the use of the medication.
Choice D reason : A history of sinus bradycardia is a contraindication to metoprolol. Metoprolol can exacerbate bradycardia, leading to hemodynamic instability and is therefore contraindicated in patients with a history of significant bradycardia.
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