The nurse of a medical-surgical unit receives a report from a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse for a client who is being transferred following a right hemicolectomy. The PACU nurse reports, "The client has an intravenous (IV) infusion of 1000 mL lactated Ringer's infusing at 125 mL/hr into the left wrist with 300 mL remaining. Prescriptions include morphine sulfate 2 mg IV every 2 to 4 hours for pain, last administered 30 minutes ago; ondansetron 4 mg IV every 8 hours for nausea, last administered 15 minutes ago." Which additional information is most important for the nurse to obtain in the report?
History of vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery.
Declining to take ice chips for complaints of dry mouth.
Soft abdomen, absent bowel sounds, no bleeding on dressing.
Peripheral pulses present with full range of motion of both legs.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorrect- While the history of vomiting is important to assess, it may not be the most crucial information to gather at this point, as the client is postoperative and the focus is on immediate postoperative care.
B) Incorrect- While assessing for fluid intake is important, the client's refusal of ice chips is not an urgent concern compared to other potential complications, such as pain management, oxygenation, and fluid balance.
C) Incorrect- These assessments are important, but the client's history of right hemicolectomy and the current infusion and medication administration require closer attention to fluid balance, pain control, and oxygenation.
D) Correct- While all options are important to consider, the most critical information in this scenario is assessing peripheral pulses and the range of motion of both legs. A right hemicolectomy involves abdominal surgery and decreased or absent peripheral pulses along with a limited range of motion could indicate impaired circulation, thrombosis, or other post-operative complications. These findings might necessitate prompt intervention to prevent potential complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate.
- To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse.
- In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A, B, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because instructing the UAP to report any abnormal findings does not address the error in technique.
Option B is incorrect because reminding the UAP to check the pulse volume does not address the error in technique.
Option D is incorrect because confirming the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP does not address the error in the technique.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly involving electrolytes like potassium, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, and mental status changes could indicate potential neurologic and cardiovascular involvement. Auscultating for an irregular heart rate helps identify any immediate cardiac issues that require intervention.
B) Incorrect- While monitoring sodium intake is important for clients with chronic kidney disease, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and changes in mental status indicate a more acute concern that requires immediate assessment.
C) Incorrect- Documenting abdominal girth is relevant for assessing fluid status, but in this situation, the presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and mental status changes indicates a more critical issue that requires prompt intervention.
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