A patient diagnosed with lung carcinoma is scheduled for a left pneumonectomy.
Which nursing intervention should be prioritized in the immediate postoperative period?
Application of anti-embolism stockings.
Use of the incentive spirometer.
Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac.
Repositioning the patient in bed.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While the application of anti-embolism stockings can be beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis in postoperative patients, it is not the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. The immediate postoperative period after a pneumonectomy is critical for monitoring and managing potential complications such as respiratory distress, hemorrhage, and bronchopleural fistula.
Choice B rationale
The use of the incentive spirometer is an important nursing intervention for postoperative patients to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. However, in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, the priority is to monitor for complications and ensure the stability of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac is the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. After a pneumonectomy, a chest tube is placed to drain air, blood, and fluid from the pleural space to allow the remaining lung to re-expand. It is crucial to monitor the chest tube system for proper functioning and to assess for complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the patient in bed is a standard nursing intervention in postoperative care to enhance comfort, promote lung expansion, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. However, it is not the most prioritized intervention in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, where monitoring for respiratory complications and ensuring the stability of the patient are paramount.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Auscultating the lungs for the presence of breath sounds is a priority action following endotracheal intubation. This helps to confirm correct tube placement and assess for complications such as a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to ensure that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95% to confirm adequate oxygenation, this is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the baseline level of consciousness is important, but it is not the priority action following endotracheal intubation.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for the presence of circumoral cyanosis can indicate hypoxia, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The nurse’s actions are an example of Quality Improvement. Quality Improvement involves systematic actions that lead to measurable improvement in health care services and the health status of targeted patient groups. In this case, the nurse identified a problem (increase in pressure injuries), collected data (documented findings), and implemented a change (new policy for consistent use of a pressure injury risk assessment scale) to improve patient outcomes.
Choice B rationale
While collaboration was part of the process (the nurse collaborated with the manager), the overall actions taken represent a Quality Improvement process.
Choice C rationale
Case Management typically involves coordinating the care and services of select patient populations, such as those with chronic illnesses or complex health needs. It does not directly apply to this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Advocacy involves supporting or promoting the interests of others, such as patients or colleagues. Although the nurse’s actions could be seen as advocating for the patients’ well- being, the term that best characterizes these actions is Quality Improvement.
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