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 ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining bed rest for 48 hours following surgery is a common practice to allow the body to heal and recover.
Choice B rationale
Irrigating the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hours is necessary to maintain patency and prevent blockage.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake can help prevent postoperative complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis.
Choice D rationale
Performing leg exercises every 2 hours is not typically included in the plan of care for a client who had surgery for a bowel obstruction and has a nasogastric tube in place.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Condition A is not typically associated with a risk for vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies are usually caused by inadequate intake, poor absorption, or increased demand for vitamins.
Choice B rationale
Condition B is not typically associated with a risk for vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies are usually caused by inadequate intake, poor absorption, or increased demand for vitamins.
Choice C rationale
Condition C, also known as pernicious anemia, is associated with a risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition impairs the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice D rationale
Condition D is not typically associated with a risk for vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies are usually caused by inadequate intake, poor absorption, or increased demand for vitamins
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
