Nurses' Notes Preoperative 0730:
The client is scheduled for a left stapedectomy.
Pupils 3.5 mm, equal, round, and reactive to light. Smile symmetrical.
Mucous membranes show color expected for the client's skin tone and moisture.
Speech clear.
Skin warm and dry. Lungs clear bilaterally.
Apical heart rate regular at 78/min. Postoperative
1230:
Pupils were 3 mm, equal, and reactive to light.
Smile asymmetrical. Mucous membranes pink. Speech hoarse.
Client with left facial droop Skin warm and dry.
The client reports vertigo and nausea.
Bilateral breath sounds clear and present throughout. Apical heart rate regular at 92/min.
The client reports left ear discomfort and rates the pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client states that her hearing has diminished following surgery.
Which of the following findings requires further action by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Vertigo
Facial nerve assessment
Pupils
Pain rating
Diminished hearing
Lung assessment
Correct Answer : B,E
A. Vertigo is common after inner ear surgery like stapedectomy and can be related to changes in the inner ear. It should be monitored, but it's not an immediate concern unless severe.
B. Correct. A change in facial symmetry (left facial droop) is indicative of potential facial nerve dysfunction, which requires immediate attention.
C. Pupils are reactive to light, and their size is within the expected range, indicating normal pupillary function.
D. A pain rating of 5 on a scale of 0 to 10 indicates moderate pain. While it requires attention, it's not a critical concern.
E. Correct. Diminished hearing following ear surgery is an expected finding, but the nurse should assess the degree and type of hearing loss and communicate this to the healthcare provider.
F. Lung assessment is important but does not require immediate action based on the given information.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. While family medical history might provide some context, physical assessment findings are more directly relevant to a referral for a physical therapist.
B. Incorrect. Medical health insurance claims are administrative and financial information, not typically included in a referral for a physical therapist.
C. Correct. Physical assessment findings, such as range of motion limitations, mobility issues, gait abnormalities, and areas of pain or discomfort, are essential for a physical therapist to develop an appropriate plan of care.
D. Incorrect. Medications taken prior to admission might have some relevance, but physical assessment findings are crucial for a physical therapist to understand the client's physical condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Patterned-paced breathing might help with pain management, but it's not specific to changing positions.
B. Correct. Splinting the incision with a pillow provides support and reduces strain when changing positions, minimizing discomfort.
C. Counterpressure to the back might be helpful during contractions, but it's not specific to postoperative pain with position changes.
D. While reducing position changes might be initially suggested, it's important for postoperative clients to move to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis. Providing strategies to manage pain during position changes is more appropriate.
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