A nurse is receiving postoperative report for a school-age child following surgery for a ruptured appendix. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse expect?
Place the client in a supine position for the first 12 hr postoperative.
Pack the open wound with a dry gauze dressing.
Administer naproxen orally for pain 30 min prior to ambulation.
Maintain an NG tube on low intermittent suction until bowel sounds return.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Place the client in a supine position for the first 12 hr postoperative: Following surgery for a ruptured appendix, placing the child in a supine position for the first 12 hours can be inappropriate. It may be more beneficial to position the child in a semi-Fowler's position to promote drainage of any remaining infection and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.
B) Pack the open wound with a dry gauze dressing: For a postoperative wound following a ruptured appendix, using a dry gauze dressing might not be the best practice. A moist dressing can promote better healing and reduce the risk of infection. Wet-to-dry or other appropriate dressings are typically recommended based on the surgeon's instructions.
C) Administer naproxen orally for pain 30 min prior to ambulation: While managing pain is important, naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically not the first choice for postoperative pain management in children. Additionally, oral medication might not be recommended immediately post-surgery, especially if the child has an NG tube or other contraindications for oral intake.
D) Maintain an NG tube on low intermittent suction until bowel sounds return: This is a standard postoperative practice for children who have had surgery for a ruptured appendix. The NG tube helps to decompress the stomach, preventing vomiting and aspiration, and helps manage bowel function until normal activity resumes, which is crucial for postoperative recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Protective environment
This type of isolation is used for clients with weakened immune systems to protect them from infections. It is not necessary for pertussis, which requires droplet precautions to prevent spread.
B) Airborne precautions
These are used for diseases that are spread through tiny droplets that remain in the air, such as tuberculosis. Pertussis spreads through larger respiratory droplets, not lingering in the air, so airborne precautions are not needed.
C) Contact precautions
These are used for infections spread by direct touch or contact with surfaces. Pertussis primarily spreads through respiratory droplets rather than direct contact, making contact precautions unnecessary.
D) Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions are appropriate for pertussis, as it spreads via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This involves wearing masks and maintaining distance to prevent transmission.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) A potassium supplement: Administering a potassium supplement would be inappropriate for a client with a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. This level is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hyperkalemia, which can have serious effects on cardiac function. Increasing potassium intake could exacerbate the condition.
B) A fiber supplement: While fiber supplements can be beneficial for overall digestive health, they do not directly address or correct an electrolyte imbalance like hyperkalemia. They are not relevant in managing elevated potassium levels.
C) An anticonvulsant: Anticonvulsants are used to manage seizure activity and are not indicated for treating hyperkalemia. They do not have any role in the regulation or management of potassium levels in the body.
D) A diuretic: Diuretics, particularly loop diuretics, are often used to help manage hyperkalemia by promoting the excretion of potassium through urine. This helps lower the elevated potassium levels in the blood and reduce the risk of complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, administering a diuretic is an appropriate intervention for a client with a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L.
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