A PACU nurse is monitoring the drainage from a client's NG tube following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings in the first postoperative hour should the nurse report to the provider?
75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage
150 mL of serosanguineous drainage
100 mL of red drainage
200 mL of brown drainage
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage should not be reported. This could be stomach contents or bile, which can be expected after surgery and might not be alarming.
Choice B reason:
150 mL of serosanguineous drainage should not be reported. Serosanguineous drainage is a mix of clear and slightly bloody fluid, which can be expected after surgery and may not be alarming.
Choice C reason:
100 mL of red drainage should be reported. After abdominal surgery, the drainage from an NG (nasogastric) tube is monitored to assess the client's condition and the status of their gastrointestinal system. Red drainage could indicate bleeding, which is a significant concern after surgery. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice D reason:
200 mL of brown drainage should not be reported. Brown drainage could also be indicative of old blood or digestive fluids, which might be expected after surgery and may not be alarming.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Repositioning the client's left arm is incorrect. Repositioning the arm might help prevent kinks or occlusions in the tubing, but addressing the tubing connections comes first.
Choice B Reason:
Checking the IV site for redness is incorrect. Checking for redness is important to assess for signs of infection or inflammation, but it can wait until after addressing the tubing issue.
Choice C Reason:
Ensuring the tubing connections are secure is correct. When the infusion pump alarms, the first step is to ensure that the tubing connections are secure. A loose or disconnected tubing can lead to interrupted or inadequate infusion, which could affect the client's treatment and well-being. By checking and securing the tubing connections, the nurse can address any immediate issues related to the alarm.
Choice D Reason:
Flushing the IV catheter is incorrect - Flushing the catheter might be necessary if there are blockages or if medications need to be administered, but addressing the tubing connections is the immediate priority when the infusion pump alarms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
WBC count 8,400/mm3 is not appropriate. This white blood cell count is within the normal range and is not a cause for concern.
Choice B reason:
Serosanguineous exudate noted on dressing change is not appropriate. Serosanguineous drainage is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing and is expected after surgery.
Choice C reason:
Reports pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 when coughing is not appropriate. A pain level of 4 out of 10 with coughing is a common and expected finding following an appendectomy. It's important for the nurse to assess and manage pain, but this is not an urgent concern.
Choice D reason:
Haemoglobin 10 mg/dL is appropriate. Haemoglobin level of 10 mg/dL indicates a low level of haemoglobin, which might suggest anaemia or blood loss. Reporting this finding to the provider is important as it could indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention.
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