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 B
Explanation
The Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination is recommended for adults aged 60 years and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles or chicken pox before. The vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.
The other options are not correct because:
a. The vaccine is useful even if the person has had a case of shingles before, as shingles can recur in some people. The vaccine can prevent or reduce the severity of future episodes.
c. The person needs to get this vaccination even if they have had chicken pox, as shingles is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chicken pox (varicella-zoster virus). The vaccine can boost the immunity against the virus and prevent it from reactivating.
d. The vaccination does not minimize outbreaks of cold sores, as cold sores are caused by a different virus (herpes simplex virus). The vaccine has no effect on this virus or its symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Log-rolling is a technique of moving a client as a unit without twisting or bending the spine, which is used for clients with spinal injuries or surgeries. After log-rolling a client to a lateral position, the PN should place pillows to maintain alignment and prevent pressure ulcers or nerve damage. The pillows should be placed under the head, neck, upper arm, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and lower leg.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Raising the head of the bed 30 degrees is not necessary or appropriate after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it can cause shearing forces or compromise the spinal stability. The head of the bed should be kept flat or slightly elevated during log rolling.
B. Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it does not ensure the comfort or safety of the client. The PN should monitor the vital signs before and after log-rolling, but not during or immediately after.
C. Flexing legs and placing a blanket between legs is not the immediate intervention after log-rolling a client to a lateral position, as it does not support the spine or prevent pressure ulcers or nerve damage. The PN should keep the legs straight and aligned with the body during log-rolling, and place a pillow under the lower leg after log-rolling.
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