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. Pallor of the toes indicates compromised blood flow and is the earliest sign of circulatory impairment due to tightness of the cast.

A. Inability to move toes may be a sign of tightness in the cast, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

C. Change in temperature of the toes may be a sign of impaired circulation, but it is not the earliest finding to be expected.

D. Edema of the toes may occur as a result of compromised circulation, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

A. A plaster cast requires expensive equipment for application. B. A synthetic case immobilizes bone fractures more effectively. C. A synthetic cast is weighs less. D. Drying time is prolonged with a synthetic cast.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Synthetic casts are indeed lighter in weight compared to plaster casts. This lighter weight can improve patient comfort and mobility during the healing process.

A. Plaster casts typically do not require expensive equipment for application. The materials needed for applying a plaster cast are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most healthcare settings.

B. Both the synthetic and plaster casts have relatively equal efficacy in fracture immobilization.

D. Synthetic casts typically have a shorter drying time compared to plaster casts. They may dry within 10 to 30 minutes, whereas plaster casts can take longer, often several hours, to fully dry and harden.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client following the application of a leg cast for the treatment of a fracture. If the cast is too tight, which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the difference between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

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?

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?

A nurse in a one-day surgery center is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a partial meniscectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The outpatient surgery nurse reviews the complete blood cell (CBC) count results for a patient who is scheduled for surgery. The results are white blood cell (WBC) count 10.2 x 103/μL;

A nurse notes increasing edema in the calf of a client who has multiple fractures of the leg. The nurse should recognize that increasing edema is a manifestation of which of the following complications?

An unconscious patient who was transferred from surgery to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 15 minutes ago has an oxygen saturation of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?

The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)

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