A nurse is receiving a client from the post anesthesia unit after a colon resection. What is the first observation the nurse should perform?
Client’s wound dressing is dry.
Client is awake and oriented.
Client is breathing.
Client’s foley catheter is draining.
The Correct Answer is C
The first observation the nurse should perform for a client who is receiving from the post anesthesia unit after a colon resection is to assess the patency of the airway and respiratory function.
This is because the airway is the most vital for the survival of the client and any compromise can lead to hypoxia and death.
The nurse should then take vital signs, check the wound dressing, and assess the foley catheter drainage.
Choice A is wrong because the client’s wound dressing is not as important as the airway and can be checked later.
Choice B is wrong because the client’s level of consciousness may be affected by the anesthesia and is not a priority over the airway.
Choice D is wrong because the client’s foley catheter drainage is not a critical observation and can be monitored later.
Normal ranges for respiratory rate are 12 to 20 breaths per minute for adults, oxygen saturation is 95% to 100%, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg for healthy individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client on Digitalis has a low potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L, below the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity, which can cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, visual changes, and cardiac arrhythmias.
The nurse would instruct the client to eat foods high in potassium, such as cantaloupe, to prevent or correct hypokalemia.

Choice A. Asparagus is wrong because asparagus is a low-potassium food that contains only 202 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating asparagus would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice C. Blackberries are wrong because blackberries are also a low-potassium food that contains only 233 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating blackberries would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice D. Cucumbers is wrong because cucumbers are a very low-potassium food that contains only 76 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating cucumbers would not help to raise the client’s potassium level and may even lower it further.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client received a dose of clopidogrel at 2200. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug that increases the risk of bleeding during and after a liver biopsy. The healthcare provider should be informed of this medication and decide whether to postpone the biopsy or administer reversal agents.
Choice A is wrong because being NPO since 2300 is a standard preparation for a liver biopsy.
Choice B is wrong because pain in the left lower quadrant and constipation are not related to the liver biopsy and do not pose an immediate risk.
Choice D is wrong because having an allergy is not relevant to the liver biopsy unless it is an allergy to the local anesthetic or contrast agent used.
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