A 6-week-old infant with pyloric stenosis is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Initiate a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because initiating a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription is essential to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the infant. The infant may have significant fluid loss due to vomiting and poor intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Creatinine is not a relevant laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this reflects renal function and is not affected by naproxen or arthritis. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: Serum calcium is not a pertinent laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this indicates bone metabolism and is not related to naproxen or arthritis. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C reason: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not an important laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this measures inflammation and is not influenced by naproxen or stomach pain. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D reason: Hemoglobin is an essential laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this shows blood oxygen-carrying capacity and can be reduced by naproxen-induced gastrointestinal bleeding, which can cause stomach pain, weakness, and fatigue. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed. This is the most important intervention, as it can prevent or detect orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing position from lying to standing. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, or falls, and it can be caused by medications, dehydration, or cardiac problems.
Choice B reason: Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The urinary output should be monitored for signs of fluid balance, kidney function, or infection, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice C reason: Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The cardiac diet should be taught to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduce sodium intake, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice D reason: Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The vital signs should be assessed for signs of infection, pain, or hemodynamic instability, but they are not a priority for this client.
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