The nurse is caring for a client who had surgery 1 day ago and is receiving a continuous infusion of fentanyl through an epidural catheter. Which intervention should the nurse perform first?
Assess for signs of urine retention.
Inspect epidural catheter insertion site.
Monitor the client's dermatome level for sensation.
Inquire if the client is experiencing breakthrough pain.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assess for signs of urine retention: While important, urinary retention is a later complication. It does not take priority over assessing for potentially serious effects like respiratory depression or excessive spread of anesthesia.
B. Inspect epidural catheter insertion site: Inspecting the site helps identify infection or dislodgement but is not the first priority. Neurological and respiratory assessments take precedence due to fentanyl’s CNS effects.
C. Monitor the client's dermatome level for sensation: This assesses the spread of the anesthetic, ensuring it hasn’t ascended to high thoracic levels, which could depress respiration. It’s the most urgent check for client safety.
D. Inquire if the client is experiencing breakthrough pain: Pain assessment is critical, but ensuring safe levels of sensory block must come first to rule out excessive anesthetic spread or complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Findings:
- The client dilates quickly to 10 cm and feels a strong urge to push: Rapid dilation and the strong urge to push indicate that the client is progressing effectively through labor, with no signs of obstruction or delays.
- The fetal heart rate is reassuring with a baseline of 145 and moderate variability: A reassuring fetal heart rate with moderate variability is a good sign that the baby is not experiencing any distress during labor, indicating a healthy fetal condition.
- The head is born easily over an intact perineum: The ease of the baby's head being born over an intact perineum suggests that the delivery is progressing smoothly, with minimal risk of perineal trauma.
- Apgar of 7 at 1 minute, then 9 at 5 minutes: The Apgar scores of 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes show a positive outcome in neonatal assessment, with a good recovery.
- The fasting blood glucose (FSBG) is 86 (4.8 mmol/L): A fasting blood glucose of 86 mg/dL is within the normal range (74 to 106 mg/dL), indicating that the client’s blood glucose levels are well-controlled, which is a positive sign for managing her gestational diabetes.
Rationale for Negative Finding:
- The infant weighs 9 lbs. 9 oz (4.34 kgs): Macrosomia (a term used for babies born weighing more than 4 kg) can be associated with gestational diabetes, which increases the likelihood of delivering a larger baby. Macrosomia may lead to potential complications such as shoulder dystocia or increased risk for cesarean delivery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Clarify end of life desires: While understanding a client’s goals is vital, this may not address her immediate needs. The client is already showing signs of distress and hypoxia, so initiating comfort measures promptly is more urgent than discussing future preferences.
B. Offer sips of favorite beverages: Offering fluids may help with oral comfort but does not address the client’s respiratory distress or overall suffering. It is a low-priority intervention in the setting of acute hypoxia and confusion related to terminal illness.
C. Initiate comfort measures: Comfort measures are the priority for a terminally ill client with hypoxia and confusion who is refusing food and expressing a wish to go home. This aligns care with the client's likely stage in the dying process and ensures symptom relief over aggressive interventions.
D. Prepare for emergent oral intubation: Intubation is invasive and likely inconsistent with palliative goals in end-stage cancer. Without clear patient consent or indication that life-prolonging measures are desired, focusing on comfort is more appropriate and ethical.
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