The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Tympanic temperature 99.2° F (37.3° C)

Fine crackles audible at both lung bases

200 mL sanguineous fluid in the wound drain

Redness and swelling along the suture line

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Excessive sanguineous fluid in the drain could indicate active bleeding or a hematoma formation, which are significant concerns after surgery. It should be reported to allow for appropriate intervention to prevent shock

A. A slight elevation in temperature can be expected in the immediate postoperative period due to the body's response to surgery (surgical stress response).

B. Fine crackles indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs, which could suggest complications such as pulmonary edema or atelectasis. While this finding warrants monitoring and intervention, it may not be the most critical issue to report to the surgeon in this context.

D. Redness and swelling along the suture line can indicate inflammation or infection at the surgical site. This is a normal response of the tissues to trauma such as surgery.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is often used in low doses to treat neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy. It can help relieve burning, shooting, or stabbing pain often associated with this condition.

A. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for relieving pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. However, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for neuropathic pain.

C. Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID primarily used for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief in conditions like arthritis. While it may help with inflammation-associated pain, it is not specifically indicated for neuropathic pain.

D. While it may provide some relief, opioids are generally not recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain due to their potential for dependence, tolerance, and other side effects.

A. Apply lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint. B. Reposition the client to keep him from staying in the same position in bed. C. Remove the weights for a few minutes each hour. D. Apply a foot plate to the bed.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Repositioning the client regularly is an important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers and pressure points, especially when the client is immobilized in traction. Repositioning helps distribute pressure evenly on different areas of the body, reducing the risk of tissue ischemia and pressure-related injuries around the edges of the splint.

A. Lotions or moisturizers can increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection, especially when applied under medical devices such as splints or casts.

C. Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not necessary to prevent pressure points around the edges of the splint. Balanced skeletal traction is typically applied to maintain continuous traction force on the fractured femur for therapeutic purposes.

D. Applying a foot plate to the bed is not directly related to preventing pressure points around the edges of the splint. Foot plates are typically used to prevent foot drop and maintain proper alignment of the foot and ankle joints.

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The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and reports chronic, burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily. Which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for balanced skeletal traction with a Thomas splint for the treatment of a fractured femur. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following spinal fusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following total hip arthroplasty. It is 0830 and the client is schedule for physical therapy (PT) at 0900. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for cyclosporine oral solution to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse assessing a client who has multiple fractures in his left leg notes increasing edema. The nurse should recognize this finding as an early manifestation of which of the following complications?

A nurse is providing care for four clients on a medical-surgical unit, Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for the development of pressure ulcers? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following statements accurately describe the medication rights? (Select All that Apply.)