A nurse is monitoring a postoperative client who is unable to respond to questions. Which of the following nonverbal behaviors should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is experiencing pain? (Select all that apply)
Restlessness
Clenching
Grimacing
Drowsiness
Groaning
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A reason: Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or pain, especially in a postoperative client. It may manifest as constant shifting or an inability to remain still, indicating that the client is trying to find a position that alleviates the pain.
Choice B reason: Clenching, such as tightly gripping the handrails of the bed or making fists, can indicate that the client is trying to manage pain or discomfort through tension in the muscles.
Choice C reason: Grimacing, or making a pained facial expression, is a clear nonverbal cue of pain. It often involves furrowing the brow, closing the eyes tightly, or contorting the mouth.
Choice D reason: Drowsiness is not typically a direct indicator of pain. It may be related to medication effects, fatigue, or the body's response to healing post-surgery. However, it does not specifically signal pain.
Choice E reason: Moaning, groaning, or making other vocal sounds can be a response to pain, particularly in clients who are unable to articulate their pain verbally due to sedation or other factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Thoroughly cleansing the affected area helps remove potential pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises washing needlestick injuries with soap and water.
Choice B reason: Squeezing the puncture site is not recommended because it can cause further injury to the tissue and does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Choice C reason: Flushing the puncture site with water is a good practice, but it should be done immediately, not just for 5 minutes. The initial washing is more critical.
Choice D reason: If indicated, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within hours of exposure, to maximize its effectiveness. Delaying PEP until the following day is not advisable.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inspection should be performed first to observe for any visible abnormalities, distention, or movements that could indicate underlying conditions.
Choice B reason: Percussion is used after auscultation to assess the presence of fluid, gas, and to estimate the size of the organs within the abdomen.
Choice C reason: Palpation is typically performed last because it can alter the natural state of the abdomen, potentially causing discomfort and affecting the bowel sounds that are assessed during auscultation.
Choice D reason: Auscultation should be performed before palpation and percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds. It allows the nurse to listen to the natural state of bowel motility and vascular sounds without interference.
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