Exhibits

A nurse is caring for a 44-year-old male client who had an anterior-posterior spinal fusion 3 days ago. The client is experiencing uncontrolled pain and has not had a bowel movement since the surgery. Which actions should the nurse take to assess the client's progress?

Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale

Counting and recording the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute is not the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. While it is important to monitor the patient’s heart rhythm, the immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

Choice B rationale

Applying oxygen via a nasal cannula and adjusting to maintain oxygen saturation above 93% is the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy can help to relieve the symptoms of angina and improve the patient’s oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three is important for diagnosing a heart attack, but it is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

Choice D rationale

Initiating dim lighting, lowering alarm volumes, and controlling traffic in and out of the room area can help to create a calm and quiet environment for the patient. However, this is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.

Choice A rationale

The patient was able to sleep through the night. This is a positive sign as it indicates that the patient is comfortable and not in distress. Sleep is essential for healing and recovery.

Choice B rationale

The patient’s left arm is warm to touch. This could indicate that there is adequate blood flow to the area, which is necessary for healing. However, warmth could also be a sign of inflammation or infection, so it’s important to monitor this closely.

Choice C rationale

The patient’s left shoulder and collarbone are symmetric. This is a good sign as it indicates that there is no obvious dislocation or fracture, which could cause pain and limit mobility.

Choice D rationale

The patient has no desire to eat breakfast. This is not necessarily a sign of progress. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many conditions, including stress, infection, or certain medications. It’s important to encourage the patient to eat to maintain strength and support healing.