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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Probiotics are beneficial for gut health and may have a role in maintaining a healthy immune system, but they are not primarily known for lowering blood pressure. While some studies suggest a potential benefit of probiotics on blood pressure, more research is needed to establish a direct effect.
Choice B reason : Garlic is well-known for its potential benefits in lowering blood pressure. It contains allicin, which is thought to help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that garlic supplements can have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Choice C reason : Ginger root is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties and gastrointestinal benefits. Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood pressure, but the evidence is not as strong as it is for garlic. Therefore, it is not the primary recommendation for hypertension management.
Choice D reason : Valerian is often used for its sedative effects and to aid sleep. There is limited evidence to suggest that valerian has any significant impact on blood pressure. It is not typically recommended as a treatment for hypertension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Aspirin is well-known for its antiplatelet properties, which inhibit platelet aggregation and thus prevent the formation of new blood clots. This is particularly important following a myocardial infarction, as it helps to prevent further clotting events that could lead to additional heart attacks or strokes. Aspirin's effect on platelets is so significant that it is often one of the first medications administered in the setting of acute coronary syndrome.
Choice B reason : While aspirin does have analgesic properties, this is not the primary reason it is prescribed post-myocardial infarction. The analgesic effect of aspirin is more commonly utilized for minor pains and aches, and it is not sufficient for the pain associated with coronary artery disease.
Choice C reason : Aspirin can reduce fever, but this is not relevant to its use in coronary artery disease. Fever reduction is not a concern when prescribing aspirin for myocardial infarction patients, as the primary goal is to manage the risk of thrombosis.
Choice D reason : Aspirin does have anti-inflammatory effects, but again, this is not the primary reason for its prescription following a myocardial infarction. While inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, the anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin are not the main focus in the context of post-myocardial infarction treatment.
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