The nurse is caring for a client who has had an upper G.I. endoscopy. The client's vital signs must be taken every 30 minutes for two hours after the procedure. The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistant to take the vital signs. Two hours later, the assistant reports to client who was previously afebrile has now developed a temperature of 101.8°F. What should the nurse do in response to this reported data by the unlicensed assistant?
Promptly assess the client for a potential perforation
Tell the assistant to change thermometers and retake the temperature
Plan to give the client acetaminophen the lower temperature
Ask the assistant to bathe the client with tap water
The Correct Answer is A
A. A fever following an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be a sign of a serious complication, such as perforation, which could cause peritonitis. The nurse should promptly assess the client for other signs of perforation, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, or changes in vital signs. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
B. While it is important to ensure accurate temperature readings, a fever of 101.8°F in a post-procedural patient is concerning and warrants further investigation rather than just retaking the temperature. It may indicate a complication such as infection or perforation.
C. Administering acetaminophen to reduce the fever is not the first step. The nurse should prioritize investigating the underlying cause of the fever, as it could indicate a more serious complication like perforation, which would not be resolved by medication alone.
D. Bathing the client with tap water is not appropriate. A fever after a procedure should be investigated thoroughly rather than treated symptomatically without understanding the cause. The nurse should focus on assessing for complications first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cleaning the stoma site with warm water and mild soap is appropriate and the correct way to maintain stoma hygiene. No harsh chemicals or abrasive materials should be used.
B. It is safe for the client to continue participating in physical activities and exercise, as long as they feel comfortable and take necessary precautions to protect the stoma.
C. Clients with an ileostomy are generally advised to avoid high-fiber foods, especially right after surgery, to reduce the risk of blockages.
D. The ostomy bag should typically be changed every 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of bag used and the amount of output. Changing it every day is unnecessary unless there are signs of leakage or skin irritation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A decrease in the white blood cell count toward normal levels indicates that the infection is responding to antibiotic treatment. A WBC count of 6000/μL is within the normal range for adults (usually 4,000–11,000/μL), which suggests that the body is no longer fighting a significant infection.
B. Bronchial breath sounds heard at the right base indicate consolidation, a sign of ongoing pneumonia or unresolved infection. This would suggest that the infection is not yet controlled, rather than an improvement.
C. Increased tactile fremitus indicates consolidation, which is commonly seen in pneumonia. It suggests that the infection is still present and has not resolved with treatment.
D. Green mucus can indicate the presence of purulent sputum and ongoing infection. Although the color of the mucus may change during the course of pneumonia, the presence of green mucus does not confirm that the infection is resolving, especially after three days of antibiotics.
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