A patient who has undergone an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer develops increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea when a full liquid diet is started postoperatively. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are most indicative of:

An intolerance to the feedings

Esophageal perforation with fistula formation into the lung

Extension of the tumor into the aorta

Leakage of fluids into the mediastinum

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. An intolerance to the feedings might cause discomfort, but it would not typically cause increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea. These symptoms are more indicative of a serious complication.
B. Esophageal perforation with fistula formation into the lung is the most likely cause of these symptoms. A perforation can lead to leakage of gastric contents into the pleural space or mediastinum, causing fever, pain, and respiratory distress. The formation of a fistula between the esophagus and the lung would lead to dyspnea.
C. Extension of the tumor into the aorta is a rare complication that would typically manifest with symptoms related to cardiovascular issues, not gastrointestinal symptoms like fever and dyspnea.
D. Leakage of fluids into the mediastinum is a possible cause of the symptoms, but esophageal perforation with a fistula into the lung is more directly linked to these specific symptoms, especially dyspnea.

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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

Rationale:

Hypoxia: The client's decreased oxygen saturation (SaO2) despite oxygen therapy and the presence of respiratory distress (tachypnea, shortness of breath) indicate hypoxia.

Pneumonia: The client's fever, increased respiratory rate, decreased oxygen saturation, and crackles in the lungs are indicative of pneumonia, particularly in the right lower lobe as evidenced by the chest X-ray.

A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing. B. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently. C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake. D. Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is important for promoting the clearance of respiratory secretions. However, while it aids in mobilizing secretions, it does not directly thin the mucus.
B. Frequent ambulation helps to improve overall lung function and prevent complications like pneumonia, but it does not specifically thin respiratory secretions.
C. Increasing fluid intake helps thin the respiratory secretions by providing hydration, making it easier for the body to expel mucus through coughing. Hydration is critical for reducing the viscosity of sputum, thus promoting its removal.
D. Regular use of the incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion but does not directly affect the thinning of respiratory secretions.

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A patient who has undergone an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer develops increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea when a full liquid diet is started postoperatively. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are most indicative of:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy. Exhibits Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence. The client has manifestations of dropdownanddropdown

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote thinning of respiratory secretions?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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