The nurse is assigned to care for four surgical clients. After receiving report, which client should the nurse see first?
An adult who is in Buck's traction, and scheduled for hip arthroplasty within the next 12 hours.
An older client who is receiving packed red blood cells on the third day postoperatively for colon resection.
An older client with continuous bladder irrigation who is 2 days postoperatively for bladder surgery.
An adult one day postoperative laparoscopic cholecystectomy requesting pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect- Hip arthroplasty is a scheduled procedure, and there is no immediate indication of a critical condition that requires urgent attention.
B) Correct- Postoperative hemorrhage is a serious complication, and an older client receiving packed red blood cells may be experiencing active bleeding. This situation requires immediate assessment and intervention.
C) Incorrect- While continuous bladder irrigation requires monitoring, it is not as urgent as a potential postoperative hemorrhage.
D) Incorrect- Pain management is important, but it is not as urgent as assessing a client who may be experiencing active bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Course breath sounds - Respiratory Distress
Decreased level of consciousness - Cerebral Edema
Seizure activity - Cerebral Edema
Irritability - Both (Can be associated with both cerebral edema and respiratory distress)
Bradycardia - Cerebral Edema
Rationale:
Course breath sounds - Respiratory Distress
Course breath sounds could indicate the presence of secretions or fluid in the airways, which is a sign of respiratory distress. It suggests that there might be a problem with the airway or lung function.
Decreased level of consciousness - Cerebral Edema
A decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of cerebral edema, which is the swelling of the brain due to increased intracranial pressure. This can lead to changes in the child's mental status and responsiveness.
Seizure activity - Cerebral Edema
Seizure activity can be a manifestation of cerebral edema. Swelling and pressure in the brain can irritate brain tissue and lead to seizures.
Irritability - Both (Can be associated with both cerebral edema and respiratory distress) Irritability can be seen in both cerebral edema and respiratory distress. In cerebral edema, the pressure on the brain can cause discomfort and irritability. In respiratory distress, the child may be uncomfortable due to difficulty breathing.
Bradycardia - Cerebral Edema
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) can be associated with increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. It can be a response to the pressure on the brain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Observing for swelling at the fracture site is important for assessing the client's musculoskeletal condition, but it is not the priority intervention in this situation. The absence of spontaneous respirations and palpable carotid pulse indicates cardiac arrest, and immediate intervention is needed.
B) Incorrect- Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is not the first priority when the client is in cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately to restore circulation.
C) Incorrect- Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the initial intervention in a client in cardiac arrest. CPR and defibrillation (if indicated) are the immediate actions to provide circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs.
D) Correct- The absence of spontaneous respirations and palpable carotid pulse indicates cardiac arrest. In this situation, immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical to provide circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs. Chest compressions are the initial step to address cardiac arrest and ensure blood flow to the body.
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