The nurse is monitoring a client with Cushing's disease in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after a hypophysectomy. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?
Maintain nasal packing.
Keep head of bed at 30°.
Provide frequent mouth care.
Monitor Intake and output.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Maintaining nasal packing may be important post-hypophysectomy to prevent bleeding or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. However, in the context of Cushing's disease, ensuring oral hygiene is
paramount due to increased risk of infection, especially if the patient is on corticosteroid therapy, which suppresses the immune system.
B. Keeping the head of the bed at 30° helps prevent complications such as cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. While this is important post-hypophysectomy, it's not specific to Cushing's disease or a priority over oral care.
C. Providing frequent mouth care is crucial in Cushing's disease due to increased cortisol levels leading to immunosuppression and susceptibility to infections. Additionally, glucocorticoid therapy can cause mucosal dryness and ulceration, necessitating meticulous oral hygiene.
D. Monitoring intake and output is essential postoperatively to assess fluid balance and renal function. While important, it's not the priority in this context compared to oral care, especially considering the risk of dehydration due to increased cortisol levels in Cushing's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Explaining that temporary burning at the IV site may occur is important for informing the client about potential side effects but does not address the specific risk associated with vesicant chemotherapeutic agents.
B. Applying a topical anesthetic at the infusion site for burning is not typically indicated during the administration of vesicant chemotherapeutic agents. While it may provide some comfort, it does not address the risk of extravasation.
C. Assessing the IV site frequently for signs of extravasation is essential during the administration of vesicant chemotherapeutic agents. Vesicants can cause tissue necrosis and damage if they leak into surrounding tissues. Early detection of extravasation allows for prompt intervention to minimize tissue damage.
D. Monitoring capillary refill distal to the infusion site is important for assessing peripheral perfusion but does not specifically address the risk of extravasation associated with vesicant chemotherapeutic agents.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line: Palpating the left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line is not appropriate for assessing pulse in an unresponsive infant. This location is typically used for cardiac auscultation and not for pulse assessment.
B. Right carotid area: Palpating the carotid artery is not recommended in infants due to the risk of causing injury to the delicate structures of the neck, including the
airway and blood vessels.
C. Over the brachial artery: The brachial artery is the preferred site for assessing pulse in infants. It is located in the inner aspect of the upper arm and can be easily palpated. In an unresponsive infant, the brachial pulse should be assessed before
initiating CPR.
D. Over the sternum: Palpating over the sternum is not an appropriate site for pulse assessment in infants. The sternum is a bone and does not contain any major arteries suitable for pulse palpation.
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