The nurse is monitoring a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a hypophysectomy.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient’s plan of care?
Maintain nasal packing.
Monitor intake and output.
Provide frequent oral care.
Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Maintaining nasal packing is important after a hypophysectomy, especially if the surgery was performed through the nose (transnasal). However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)4.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring intake and output is a standard nursing intervention in the PACU. It helps assess the patient’s fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease following a hypophysectomy.
Choice C rationale
Providing frequent oral care is important for patient comfort and prevention of infections, but it is not the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees is the most important intervention for a patient with Cushing’s disease in the PACU following a hypophysectomy. This position helps reduce swelling, decreases the risk of aspiration, and promotes effective breathing and drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While monitoring serum sodium levels is important in a client with DKA, it is not the most critical. Hyperglycemia can lead to a state of effective osmotic diuresis, which can cause sodium depletion.
Choice B rationale
Serum potassium levels are crucial to monitor in a client with DKA3. Despite total body potassium depletion, serum potassium levels may be high or normal upon presentation due to acidosis and insulin deficiency. However, with insulin treatment, potassium will shift back into the cells, potentially leading to life-threatening hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) might be elevated due to dehydration, but it is not the most critical lab value to monitor in the management of DKA3.
Choice D rationale
Urine ketones are not as important to monitor as serum potassium in DKA. The presence of ketones in urine only confirms that the body is breaking down fat, not the severity of DKA3.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the patient’s currently prescribed medications are important information, they are not the most immediate concern in this situation. The healthcare provider will need this information, but it does not need to be the first piece of information provided.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is the most immediate concern and should be communicated first. Confusion and disorientation can be signs of a serious condition such as a brain injury, especially following a fall. It is crucial to relay this information to the healthcare provider as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered and treatment can be initiated.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and they are unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this information does not need to be communicated first. The immediate concern is the patient’s medical condition.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder is certainly important information as it provides context for the patient’s current condition. However, it does not need to be the first piece of information provided. The healthcare provider will likely infer that a fall has occurred based on the other information provided (e.g., confusion, potential loss of consciousness).
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