One hour after arriving on the postoperative unit, a woman who received spinal anesthesia 5 hours ago is complaining of severe abdominal incisional pain. Her vital signs are: temperature 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 110 beats/minute, respiratory rate 30 breaths/minute and blood pressure 160/90 mmHg. The client's skin is pale, and the surgical dressing is dry and Intact. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to Implement?
Provide pillow for splinting.
Assess the IV site for patency.
Place in a high Fowler position.
Administer an IV analgesic.
The Correct Answer is B
The client is experiencing severe abdominal incisional pain, and her vital signs indicate an elevated heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These signs suggest that the client is in distress and may be experiencing pain-related complications.
Assessing the IV site for patency is crucial to ensure that the client is receiving the prescribed IV analgesic medication effectively. If the IV site is not patent or if there is any obstruction, the administration of IV analgesics may be delayed, resulting in inadequate pain relief for the client.
While providing a pillow for splinting can offer comfort and support to the client, it is not the most critical intervention in this situation. Placing the client in a high Fowler position may help with pain management, but it is not the priority at this moment. Administering an IV analgesic is an appropriate intervention, but before doing so, it is essential to ensure that the IV site is patent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client's history of lung cancer, persistent hoarseness, chronic cough, and labored respirations when speaking indicate potential respiratory complications. Coarse breath sounds may suggest the presence of airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can be indicative of a worsening condition.
The nurse should intervene promptly by assessing the client's respiratory status further, providing appropriate respiratory support, and notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Allen's test is a procedure used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery and the collateral circulation of the hand. It is performed to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation before obtaining arterial blood gases from the radial artery. The test helps ensure that the ulnar artery is functioning properly and can supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is used for blood sampling or other invasive procedures.
The test involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries while the patient clenches their fist. The nurse then releases pressure on the ulnar artery while maintaining occlusion of the radial artery. The hand should quickly regain normal coloration, indicating adequate collateral circulation.
It's important to note that the Allen's test is specific to the assessment of collateral circulation in the hand and is not used for other purposes such as assessing deep vein thrombosis, cardiac output calculation, or obtaining pulmonary artery pressures.
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