A public health nurse is teaching a group of nurses about smallpox. Which of the following statements by one of the nurses indicates understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason:

Restricting the client’s oral fluid intake is not appropriate in this situation. Adequate fluid intake is essential to help flush out the bladder and prevent clot formation. Clients are usually encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to ensure proper hydration and urine flow.

Choice B reason:

Reminding the client that he might feel a constant urge to void is important. After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the presence of the catheter and continuous bladder irrigation can cause a sensation of needing to urinate. This is a common experience and reassuring the client helps manage their expectations and reduce anxiety.

Choice C reason:

Weighing the client every evening is not a standard intervention specifically related to TURP and continuous bladder irrigation. While monitoring weight can be important for overall health, it is not directly related to the immediate postoperative care of a TURP patient.

Choice D reason:

Monitoring the client’s urine output every 6 hours is important, but it should be done more frequently in the immediate postoperative period. Continuous bladder irrigation requires close monitoring to ensure that the irrigation fluid is flowing properly and that there are no blockages or complications.

Choice A reason: Induce Sedation

Pancuronium is not used to induce sedation. It is a neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) that causes paralysis of skeletal muscles. Sedation is typically achieved using medications such as benzodiazepines or propofol, which act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect.

Choice B reason: Suppress Respiratory Effort

Pancuronium is used to suppress respiratory effort in patients with ARDS who require mechanical ventilation. By causing muscle paralysis, pancuronium helps to synchronize the patient’s breathing with the ventilator, reducing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury and improving oxygenation. This is particularly important in severe cases of ARDS where patient-ventilator dyssynchrony can be detrimental.

Choice C reason: Decrease Chest Wall Compliance

Decreasing chest wall compliance is not a purpose of pancuronium. In fact, pancuronium does not directly affect chest wall compliance. Instead, it works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, leading to muscle relaxation and paralysis.

Choice D reason: Decrease Respiratory Secretions

Pancuronium does not decrease respiratory secretions. Medications such as anticholinergics (e.g., atropine) are used to reduce secretions. Pancuronium’s primary role is to facilitate mechanical ventilation by ensuring complete muscle relaxation.