The day after surgery, a patient asks a nurse, "Why do the nurses keep listening to my abdomen? That's not where I had surgery." Which of the following responses best answers the patient's question?
"Listening to your bowel sounds is just part of the physical assessment, so it's nothing you need to worry about. It will only take me a few minutes to listen; then I'll let you rest."
"Your surgeon has written orders to assess your abdomen every 4 hours. I'm sorry if it worries you, but I must do my job."
"General anesthesia puts everything to sleep, including the bowel, so it is important to determine when bowel sounds have returned."
"We listen so we can let your surgeon know your gastrointestinal system wasn't damaged by the anesthesia."
The Correct Answer is C
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Changing the faceplate every 3 to 5 days might be necessary for some individuals with specific needs, but it is not the typical frequency for most colostomy patients.
Choice B Changing the faceplate every 1 to 3 days is too frequent for most colostomy patients and might lead to unnecessary waste and discomfort.
Choice C Changing the faceplate every 2 to 3 days is still relatively frequent and might not be necessary for most colostomy patients.
Choice D Changing the faceplate every 4 to 7 days is the usual recommendation for colostomy patients, as it allows for sufficient wear time while minimizing the frequency of changes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Bright red stool can be caused by various factors, including the consumption of certain foods, medications, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Stress can lead to changes in bowel movements and might cause bright red stool due to increased gastrointestinal motility.
Choice B: While it's essential to reassure the patient, dismissing their concern without further assessment is not appropriate. The nurse should still investigate the potential causes of bright red stool.
Choice C: Jumping to conclusions and ordering immediate tests without further assessment is not the best approach. Before taking any action, the nurse should gather more information and assess other possible causes.
Choice D: Suggesting a colonoscopy as the first step is not necessary for every case of bright red stool. Further assessment is needed to determine the cause before resorting to such an invasive procedure.
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