After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel sounds.

The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity.

The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention.

The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel sounds: Paralytic ileus is common postoperatively and, while concerning, is usually not immediately life-threatening.

B. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity: Abdominal rigidity suggests possible bowel ischemia or perforation, which are surgical emergencies. This client is at highest risk for rapid deterioration and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

C. The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention: While abdominal distention indicates obstruction, it is not immediately life-threatening unless accompanied by signs of ischemia or perforation.

D. The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid: NG drainage is expected with small bowel obstruction and indicates decompression is occurring. This is less urgent than a client showing signs of peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Maintain the client on bedrest: The client’s symptoms are consistent with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Bedrest with limited movement prevents dislodgment of the clot, which could otherwise travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This is the safest initial intervention while anticoagulation is being started.

B. Administer the client's routine daily aspirin: Aspirin has antiplatelet effects but is not the treatment of choice for acute DVT. Starting aspirin with heparin therapy is not recommended, as it increases the risk of bleeding without additional therapeutic benefit.

C. Encourage a diet high in iron and ascorbic acid: While iron and vitamin C support red blood cell production, this dietary intervention does not address the acute management of a thrombus. It may be useful in anemia prevention but is not a priority here.

D. Encourage the client to dangle the legs frequently: Dangling the legs promotes venous stasis and may worsen the clot or increase the risk of embolization. Clients with DVT should avoid activities that increase venous pooling until cleared by the healthcare provider.

A. Fever greater than 101.5° F (38.6° C). B. Decreased urinary output. C. Sunsetting eyes. D. Bulging anterior fontanel. E. Jugular venous distension.

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

A. Fever greater than 101.5° F (38.6° C): Fever may indicate infection, such as meningitis or shunt infection, but it is not a primary sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants.

B. Decreased urinary output: Oliguria is not a typical early sign of increased ICP. While it can occur with severe systemic compromise, it is not a direct indicator of ICP changes.

C. Sunsetting eyes: The “sunsetting” sign, where the eyes appear driven downward with the sclera visible above the iris, is a classic indicator of increased ICP in infants due to hydrocephalus and should be closely monitored.

D. Bulging anterior fontanel: A bulging anterior fontanel reflects increased pressure within the cranial vault and is a key early sign of increased ICP in infants.

E. Jugular venous distension: Jugular venous distension is more indicative of cardiac or fluid overload issues rather than increased ICP in infants.

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After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 4-month-old with hydrocephalus is admitted to the hospital for shunt revision. When assessing for increased intracranial pressure, the nurse should observe the child for which finding(s)? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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