The nurse cannot auscultate bowel sounds during the assessment of a client who has had a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four days ago. The client is complaining of severe abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?
Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible
Administer the PRN stool softener to the client
Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction
Report the assessment findings to the surgeon
The Correct Answer is D
A. Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible
Paralytic ileus can occur postoperatively, but sudden severe pain and distension indicate a more serious issue, such as bowel infarction.
B. Administer the PRN stool softener to the client
A stool softener is inappropriate if the client has a possible bowel obstruction or ischemia.
C. Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction
An NG tube may help relieve distension, but it does not treat the underlying cause. The priority is to notify the surgeon.
D. Report the assessment findings to the surgeon
Absent bowel sounds, severe pain, and distension suggest bowel ischemia, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical intervention.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Auscultate bowel sounds, record the findings, and obtain a 12-lead ECG
While auscultating bowel sounds can help assess for bowel injury and an ECG is useful for monitoring cardiac function, these interventions are not the priority. The client is in shock and requires immediate intervention to restore perfusion.
B. Initiate the standing prescription for Dopamine at 16 mcg/kg/minute
Dopamine can be used to support blood pressure in shock, but fluid resuscitation is the first-line intervention in hypovolemic shock. Vasopressors like dopamine are typically added after fluid resuscitation if hypotension persists.
C. Place soft restraints on the upper extremities and sedate as necessary
The client's restlessness is likely due to hypoxia and inadequate perfusion, not agitation. Restraints and sedation would delay critical interventions and could worsen hemodynamic instability.
D. Lower the head of the bed, obtain a pulse ox, and increase the rate of IV fluids
The client is in hypovolemic shock due to suspected internal bleeding. Lowering the head of the bed improves cerebral perfusion, increasing IV fluids restores intravascular volume, and checking pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation. This is the priority action to stabilize the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Parkland Formula:
Total fluid requirement (ml)=4×Body weight (kg)×Total body surface area burned (%TBSA)
= 4×70×70
=19,600mL (total for 24 hours)
Fluids in first 8 hours: 19,600mL÷2
=9,800mL
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