A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative and is auscultating their bilateral breath sounds. The nurse notes absent breath sounds in the bases. The nurse should suspect which postoperative complication is occurring in this client?

Atelectasis

Pulmonary embolism

Arterial thrombus

Pneumonia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

Atelectasis is a common postoperative complication, especially in patients who have undergone abdominal or thoracic surgery. It occurs when the alveoli in the lungs collapse, leading to reduced or absent breath sounds in the affected areas. This condition can result from shallow breathing, pain, or immobility after surgery. The absence of breath sounds in the bases of the lungs is a key indicator of atelectasis. Preventive measures include encouraging deep breathing exercises, using incentive spirometry, and early mobilization of the patient.

Choice B Reason:

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries. While PE can present with symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heart rate, it is less likely to cause absent breath sounds in the lung bases. Instead, PE may lead to decreased oxygen levels and respiratory distress. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as a CT pulmonary angiography.

Choice C Reason:

Arterial thrombus refers to a blood clot that forms in an artery, which can lead to tissue ischemia and infarction. This condition is more commonly associated with cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. It does not typically present with absent breath sounds in the lungs. Instead, symptoms may include pain, pallor, and loss of function in the affected area. Diagnosis and treatment focus on restoring blood flow to the affected tissues.

Choice D Reason:

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. While pneumonia can lead to abnormal breath sounds, such as crackles or wheezes, it is less likely to cause completely absent breath sounds in the lung bases. Pneumonia is usually diagnosed through clinical examination, chest X-rays, and sputum cultures. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care to manage symptoms.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: While lift pads can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries for staff, such as pulled muscles, this is not their primary purpose. The main goal of using lift pads is to protect the client from injury during repositioning. Lift pads distribute the client’s weight more evenly, making it easier for staff to move them without straining themselves.

Choice B reason: Lift pads are not designed to absorb urinary incontinence or contain stool. There are specific products like incontinence pads and briefs for managing urinary and fecal incontinence. Lift pads are primarily used to assist with the safe repositioning of immobile clients.

Choice C reason: The primary purpose of lift pads is to help prevent friction and shearing when repositioning the client. Friction and shearing can cause skin damage and pressure ulcers, especially in immobile clients. Lift pads reduce the risk of these injuries by allowing smoother and safer movements.

Choice D reason: Lift pads do not prevent clients from being diaphoretic (sweating excessively). Diaphoresis can be managed through other means, such as adjusting room temperature, using fans, or providing appropriate clothing and bedding. Lift pads are not intended for this purpose.

A. Deduct it from the total urine output. B. Subtract it from the intravenous flow sheet as output. C. Document the intake hourly in the urine output column. D. Add it to the oral intake column.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

When calculating the fluid balance for a client undergoing continuous bladder irrigation (CBI), the irrigation solution must be deducted from the total urine output. This is because the irrigation fluid is not part of the client’s actual urine production but is an additional fluid introduced into the bladder to prevent or remove blood clots and ensure catheter patency. By deducting the irrigation solution from the total urine output, the nurse can accurately determine the client’s true urine output and fluid balance.

Choice B Reason:

Subtracting the irrigation solution from the intravenous flow sheet as output is incorrect. The intravenous flow sheet is used to document fluids administered intravenously, not those introduced into the bladder. Therefore, this choice does not apply to the management of continuous bladder irrigation.

Choice C Reason:

Documenting the intake hourly in the urine output column is also incorrect. The urine output column should reflect the actual urine produced by the client, not the irrigation solution. Including the irrigation solution in this column would lead to an inaccurate representation of the client’s urine output and fluid balance.

Choice D Reason:

Adding the irrigation solution to the oral intake column is incorrect as well. The oral intake column is designated for fluids consumed orally by the client. The irrigation solution is introduced directly into the bladder and should not be recorded as oral intake.

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A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative and is auscultating their bilateral breath sounds. The nurse notes absent breath sounds in the bases. The nurse should suspect which postoperative complication is occurring in this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing an in-service about repositioning clients and the use of lift pads for immobile clients. What is the rationale for placing lift pads under an immobile client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client has an order for continuous bladder irrigation. What should the nurse do with the irrigation solution on the intake and output (I&O) sheet when calculating the fluid balance for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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