The nurse is providing care for a patient who had surgical repair of a paraesophageal (rolling) hernia. The nurse observes that the patient is having difficulty swallowing during the first postoperative meal.What action should the nurse take?
Assure the patient the problem is temporary.
Cut the food into small pieces.
Report the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP).
Offer the patient liquids instead.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Assuring the patient that the problem is temporary may not be accurate. Postoperative dysphagia could indicate a complication from the surgery, such as the stomach fundus being wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction. It’s important to not dismiss the patient’s concerns without proper assessment.
Choice B rationale
Cutting the food into small pieces might help the patient swallow easier, but it does not address the underlying issue. The patient’s difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of a serious problem that needs medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP) is the correct action. After the repair of a paraesophageal hernia, dysphagia should be reported to the HCP. The corrective fundoplication surgery may have the stomach fundus wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction.
Choice D rationale
Offering the patient liquids instead might alleviate the symptom temporarily, but it does not solve the potential problem. The healthcare provider needs to be informed about the dysphagia to assess and treat the possible complication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ecchymosis of the extremities is not a typical finding in a patient with an obstruction and inflammation of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis.
Choice B rationale
Fatty stools, or steatorrhea, is a common symptom in patients with cholelithiasis. This is because the obstruction in the common bile duct can prevent the flow of bile, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats.
Choice C rationale
Straw-colored urine is not typically associated with cholelithiasis. Dark urine can be a symptom of this condition, as the obstruction can cause bilirubin to leak into the blood and urine.
Choice D rationale
Tenderness in the left upper abdomen is not a typical symptom of cholelithiasis. Pain associated with this condition is usually located in the right upper quadrant or the middle upper part of the abdomen.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow can actually help reduce heartburn symptoms by elevating the head and preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Choice B rationale
Consuming low-fat meats is generally recommended for patients with GERD as fatty foods can trigger heartburn symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Eating dinner early in the evening can help prevent heartburn as it allows the stomach to empty before lying down, reducing the risk of acid reflux.
Choice D rationale
Regularly drinking orange juice can contribute to heartburn in patients with GERD. Orange juice is acidic and can lower the pH of the stomach, triggering symptoms of heartburn.
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