The nurse is caring for a patient with shallow respirations and diminished breath sounds following abdominal surgery yesterday.
Which are the appropriate actions of the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Teach the patient to splint the incision when coughing to minimize pain.
Assist the patient to sit up in the chair and ambulate in the hallway.
Watch the patient use the incentive spirometer and ensure hourly usage.
Dim the lights, provide warm blankets, and maintain a quiet environment.
Maintain patient privacy and use therapeutic touch as desired by the patient.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale:
Splinting the incision when coughing helps to minimize pain and discomfort, which can encourage deeper breathing and coughing. This is essential because deep breathing and coughing help to clear secretions from the lungs and prevent atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue).
Steps for splinting the incision:
Place a pillow or folded towel over the incision site.
Instruct the patient to apply gentle pressure to the pillow or towel with their hands when coughing or deep breathing. Encourage the patient to relax their abdominal muscles during coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Choice B rationale:
Sitting up in a chair and ambulating promote lung expansion and help to mobilize secretions. This is because gravity assists in moving secretions from the smaller airways into the larger airways, where they can be more easily coughed up.
Additional benefits of sitting up and ambulating: Improved circulation
Decreased risk of pneumonia Enhanced recovery from surgery Choice C rationale:
Using an incentive spirometer hourly helps to increase lung capacity and prevent atelectasis. The device encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths, which helps to inflate the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.
Instructions for using an incentive spirometer:
Sit upright in a chair or bed.
Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, aiming to raise the piston inside the device as high as possible. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds.
Exhale slowly and completely through the mouthpiece.
Repeat the process 10-15 times per hour, or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
While maintaining normal body temperature is important for overall health, it's not the most immediate priority in a patient with fluid volume deficit due to ongoing bleeding. Fluid volume status takes precedence over temperature regulation in this context.
Hypovolemia can lead to hypothermia, but addressing the fluid deficit directly will also help stabilize temperature.
Focusing solely on temperature could delay crucial interventions to address the fluid loss and potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Rationale for Choice B:
An intact surgical incision is essential for proper wound healing and prevention of infection. However, in the context of active bleeding, it's not the priority outcome.
Maintaining adequate fluid volume is crucial to ensure perfusion of tissues, delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and proper organ function—all of which take precedence over incision integrity in this acute situation.
Addressing the fluid deficit will indirectly support wound healing by promoting tissue perfusion and reducing the risk of complications.
Rationale for Choice C:
Patient education is important, but it's not the most immediate priority in a patient with active bleeding and fluid volume deficit.
The patient's ability to comprehend and implement measures to reduce fluid loss may be compromised due to the hypovolemic state and potential cognitive effects.
Focusing on patient education at this stage could delay essential interventions to address the fluid loss and potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Rationale for Choice D:
Urine output is a sensitive and reliable indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. In a patient with fluid volume deficit, maintaining a urine output of at least 30 mL/hour is a key indicator that the kidneys are receiving adequate blood flow and that fluid volume is being restored.
This outcome directly addresses the fluid deficit and serves as a measurable goal for fluid replacement therapy.
It takes priority over other choices because it directly reflects the patient's fluid status and the effectiveness of interventions to address the bleeding and fluid loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Debridement refers to the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is not a term used to describe skin breakdown caused by moisture.
Choice B rationale:
Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs through a wound or surgical incision. It is not relevant to the condition of perineal skin breakdown due to wetness.
Choice D rationale:
Dehiscence is the separation of a surgical wound. It is not applicable in this case, as there is no mention of a surgical wound.
Choice C rationale:
Maceration is a term used to describe skin that has become softened and broken down due to prolonged exposure to moisture. This is the most accurate term to describe the condition of perineal skin breakdown after sitting in wet underclothes for many hours.
Key features of maceration:
Skin softening: The skin becomes white and wrinkled, resembling a prune.
Epidermal loss: The outer layer of skin (epidermis) may slough off, leaving the underlying tissue exposed. Redness: The affected area may become red and inflamed.
Pain or tenderness: The area may be painful or tender to the touch.
Increased risk of infection: Macerated skin is more susceptible to infection due to the breakdown of the skin barrier. Causes of maceration:
Prolonged exposure to moisture: This can include sweat, urine, feces, wound drainage, or excessive bathing. Friction: Rubbing or chafing of the skin can also contribute to maceration.
Impaired circulation: Poor blood flow to the area can make it more vulnerable to maceration. Prevention of maceration:
Keep skin clean and dry: This is the most important step in preventing maceration. Change wet or soiled clothing or dressings promptly.
Apply barrier creams or ointments: These can help to protect the skin from moisture.
Use incontinence products: These can help to keep the skin dry if the patient is incontinent. Reposition the patient frequently: This helps to reduce pressure and friction on the skin.
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