The nurse is caring for client who is four days post-operative open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm the abdomen is distended. The client is complaining abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

Encourage the client to ambulate and perform deep breathing exercise

Notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for further testing

Document the client's symptoms and continue to monitor.

Administer pain medication and explain this is normal.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Encourage the client to ambulate and perform deep breathing exercises:
While ambulation and deep breathing exercises are important for post-operative recovery, they are not the priority intervention in this scenario. The client is presenting with abdominal distension and pain, which could indicate a potential complication such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or internal bleeding. These symptoms need to be thoroughly evaluated by the healthcare provider to rule out serious complications.

B) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for further testing:
The combination of abdominal pain and distension in a client who is four days post-operative for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is concerning for potential complications such as bowel ischemia, internal bleeding, or post-operative ileus. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a physical exam to evaluate for signs of ischemia or obstruction

C) Document the client's symptoms and continue to monitor:
Although documenting and monitoring the client's symptoms is important in nursing care, it is not the most appropriate immediate response. Given the symptoms, including pain and abdominal distension, there is a potential for a serious complication, and simply continuing to monitor without notifying the healthcare provider could delay diagnosis and treatment.

D) Administer pain medication and explain this is normal:
While it is important to manage the client's pain, explaining that the symptoms are "normal" could lead to a delay in identifying a potentially serious issue. Abdominal distension and pain post-operatively in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery should never be assumed to be a normal part of recovery without further investigation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Provide honest answers to the client’s questions:
Providing honest answers to the client's questions is essential in promoting comfort, especially when they have a new diagnosis of bladder cancer. Patients often experience anxiety and uncertainty when facing a new diagnosis, so being open and transparent with information can help alleviate fears and build trust.

B) Avoid eye contact with the client during care:
Avoiding eye contact with the client can contribute to feelings of isolation and discomfort. Eye contact is an important form of non-verbal communication that can help establish a rapport and show empathy. Avoiding eye contact could make the client feel rejected or neglected, which would increase their anxiety and distress.

C) Provide limited explanations of procedures needed for care:
Providing limited explanations of procedures may leave the client feeling more confused or fearful about what is happening. While it's important to avoid overwhelming the patient with too much information, clear and concise explanations about procedures and treatments are essential to reduce anxiety and help the patient feel more in control of the situation.

D) Avoid giving the client choices regarding their care:
Avoiding giving the patient choices can make them feel powerless, which can increase feelings of anxiety and frustration. Offering choices when appropriate allows the patient to feel more in control of their care, which can reduce stress and enhance their sense of autonomy.

Correct Answer is ["12"]

Explanation

Given:

Ordered dose of Heparin: 20 units/kg

Patient weight: 132 lbs

Concentration of Heparin: 25,000 units/250 mL (100 units/mL)

Step 1: Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:

1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)

Patient weight in kg = 132 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 59.87424 kg

Step 2: Calculate the total dose of Heparin:

Total dose (units) = Ordered dose (units/kg) x Patient weight (kg)

Total dose (units) = 20 units/kg x 59.87424 kg

Total dose (units) = 1197.4848 units

Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered:

Volume (mL) = Total dose (units) / Concentration (units/mL)

Volume (mL) = 1197.4848 units / 100 units/mL

Volume (mL) = 11.974848 mL

Step 4: Round to the nearest whole number:

Volume (mL) ≈ 12 mL

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The nurse is caring for client who is four days post-operative open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm the abdomen is distended. The client is complaining abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of bladder cancer Which of the following interventions should the nurse take to promote comfort?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is to receive a bolus of Heparin 20 units/kg. The patient weighs 132 lbs. The medication is supplied as 25,000 units/250 mL. How many mL will the nurse give? (round to the nearest whole number)

Correct Answer is ["12"]

Explanation

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The nurse is caring for client who is four days post-operative open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm the abdomen is distended. The client is complaining abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?