Following a bowel resection, a client's tympanic temperature was 97.6° F (36.4° C) on admission to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Thirty minutes later, the temperature is 101.6°F (38.7° C). Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
Expose client's extremities and apply ice packs to axilla.
Recheck all vital signs including core temperature.
Continue to monitor vital signs every hour.
Apply oxygen via nasal prongs at 4 L/minute.
Page the admitting anesthesiologist STAT
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Ice packs can be used but are not the first priority.
B. Rechecking core temperature confirms the severity of hyperthermia.
C. Monitoring hourly is insufficient for a rapidly rising temperature.
D. Oxygen helps prevent hypoxia from hypermetabolic states.
E. Malignant hyperthermia is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Stopping the infusions and inserting a new catheter may not be necessary at this point unless complications develop.
B. As long as the catheter is flushing easily and the infusions are not causing complications (such as infiltration), it is appropriate to continue using it.
C. Aspirating and flushing the line until a blood return is obtained may cause damage to the catheter or further complications.
D. Monitoring for signs of infiltration is crucial, as the inability to aspirate a blood return may indicate a partial occlusion or other issues with the PICC line.
E. Replacing the PICC line may not be necessary unless more severe complications are observed.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Notify the surgeon: The client has developed a wound dehiscence with evisceration of intestinal tissue, which is a serious surgical complication. Immediate communication with the surgeon is necessary to determine the next steps for repair and to avoid further complications, such as infection or organ injury.
B. Place the client in low-Fowler's with knees raised: While positioning is important for comfort and reducing pressure on the abdomen, placing the client in low-Fowler’s position is not the priority. The focus should be on protecting the eviscerated tissue and managing potential hypovolemia.
C. Start a peripheral IV (PIV): Starting a PIV is essential for administering fluids and medications, especially if the client requires resuscitation or further surgical intervention. The client's vital signs (decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate) suggest potential hypovolemia or shock, which may require IV fluids for stabilization.
D. Cover the wound with moistened sterile gauze: Evisceration requires immediate intervention to protect the exposed tissue. The nurse should cover the wound with sterile gauze that is moistened with normal saline to prevent the exposed intestines from drying out and to reduce the risk of infection. This is a critical step in managing the wound before further surgical intervention.
E. Hold pressure on the dressing: Applying pressure to the surgical dressing is not appropriate in this situation because it could cause more harm or further disrupt the wound. The wound should be covered with moistened sterile gauze to protect the eviscerated tissue, not pressured.
F. Encourage the client to drink fluids: Oral intake is not appropriate in the acute post-surgical phase when the client has experienced evisceration. The client may require surgical repair, and fluids should be administered intravenously to avoid the risk of aspiration or bowel perforation.
G. Assist the client to cough and deep breathe: While respiratory exercises are important for preventing atelectasis and pneumonia post-operatively, they are not an immediate priority in this situation where the client has evisceration. Stabilizing the wound and addressing potential shock takes precedence.
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