Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a preschooler who is postoperative following an appendectomy.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The child is at risk for developing

as evidenced by their. and.
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"C"}

  • Postoperative ileus: Ileus is a common complication after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia, opioid use, and limited mobility. It presents as delayed return of bowel function, marked by absent bowel sounds and abdominal discomfort. In this case, the child has absent bowel sounds and increasing tenderness, supporting this risk.
  • Atelectasis: Atelectasis generally presents with diminished breath sounds and hypoxia, not clear breath sounds. Although the child has shallow respirations and is refusing the incentive spirometer, there are no respiratory findings such as decreased oxygen saturation or adventitious breath sounds that support this condition currently.
  • Peritonitis: Peritonitis would present with systemic symptoms like fever, severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, or signs of sepsis. The child has mild abdominal tenderness and stable vital signs, which do not indicate peritoneal inflammation at this time.
  • Urinary retention: This would be characterized by lack of urination, bladder distension, or discomfort—none of which are noted in the scenario. The child’s urinary output and bladder status are not identified as concerns, making this diagnosis unlikely.
  • Absent bowel sounds:  This is a key clinical sign of ileus. After surgery, bowel activity should return gradually. Continued absence of sounds, especially along with abdominal tenderness, strongly indicates impaired gastrointestinal motility.
  • Shallow respirations: While shallow breathing is often a contributing factor to respiratory complications, in the context of abdominal surgery, it also limits diaphragmatic movement, which can further suppress bowel activity and contribute to postoperative ileus.
  • Clear breath sounds:  This is a normal respiratory finding and does not support the presence of atelectasis or other pulmonary complications. It suggests that lung fields are adequately ventilated despite shallow breathing.
  • Intact abdominal dressing: This is an expected postoperative finding and does not support a diagnosis of infection, wound complication, or ileus. It indicates proper surgical wound healing.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Silence the bed alarm when visitors are at the client's bedside. Bed alarms are a critical safety device for clients on fall precautions and should never be silenced when the client is in bed, regardless of visitors. Alarms alert staff if the client attempts to get up unsafely.
B. Establish an elimination schedule for the client. A regular toileting schedule helps reduce the risk of falls by preventing unassisted attempts to get out of bed to use the bathroom. This proactive approach supports both safety and comfort.
C. Raise all four bed rails on the client's bed. Raising all four rails is considered a form of restraint and can actually increase the risk of injury if the client attempts to climb over them. Two rails up is generally acceptable for support and safety.
D. Allow the client to walk unassisted near the nursing station. Clients on fall precautions should always be supervised or assisted during ambulation to prevent accidents, even when close to staff. Being near the nursing station does not eliminate the risk.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Apply a transparent dressing to the wound. Transparent dressings are not appropriate for active bleeding as they are too thin and do not absorb blood or provide compression to control hemorrhage.
B. Irrigate the wound with sterile water. Wound irrigation is not a priority when a client is actively bleeding. Controlling the bleeding takes precedence over cleaning the wound.
C. Apply direct pressure to the wound with thick dressing material. Direct pressure is the first-line intervention to control external bleeding. Applying firm pressure with a thick dressing helps compress the blood vessels and minimize blood loss.
D. Tie a tourniquet around the leg distal to the wound. A tourniquet should be applied proximal (above) the wound if needed and only after direct pressure fails to control the bleeding. Applying it distal is ineffective and potentially harmful.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register