The nurse assesses a patient who had a total abdominal hysterectomy 2 days ago. Which information about the patient is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
The 24-hour oral intake is 600 ml greater than the total output.
The patient's temperature is 100.3" F 137.9" C).
The patient reports abdominal pain at level 6 (0 to 10 scale) when ambulating
The patient's calf is swollen, warm, and painful.
The Correct Answer is D
These symptoms suggest the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potentially serious complication following surgery. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the lower extremities. The symptoms of a swollen, warm, and painful calf can indicate the presence of a DVT.
DVT is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent further complications such as a pulmonary embolism (where the blood clot travels to the lungs). Prompt evaluation and treatment, such as anticoagulant therapy, are necessary to prevent complications
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The glomerular filtration rate is a measure of how effectively the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is a key indicator of kidney function. CKD is staged based on the GFR, which provides an estimate of the percentage of normal kidney function remaining.
While serum creatinine and urea levels are important markers used to assess kidney function, they are not the sole criteria for staging CKD. The degree of altered mental status and total daily urine output are important clinical observations but are not used for staging CKD.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hip spica casts are typically used to immobilize the hip joint and are often used in the management of hip dysplasia or after surgery. These casts can cause restricted mobility and limit blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to complications such as swelling, decreased circulation, or pressure sores.
Checking capillary refill in the toes is a critical nursing intervention to assess for the presence of adequate circulation and blood flow to the affected limb. If capillary refill is slow or absent, it may indicate compromised circulation and require immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Palpating a brachial pulse, assessing bilateral radial pulses, or auscultating the heart rate apically are not the priority nursing actions for an infant with a hip spica cast. While monitoring vital signs and circulation are important components of nursing care, the priority at this stage is to assess and manage the immediate postoperative needs of the patient, including monitoring for potential complications related to the hip spica cast.
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