When assessing a client on the first postoperative day following abdominal surgery, the nurse does not hear any bowel sounds. In response to this finding, which action should the nurse implement?

Withhold further opioid analgesics.

Obtain a prescription for a laxative.

Document the assessment finding.

Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Withholding further opioid analgesics might be considered if the lack of bowel sounds is due to opioid-induced ileus. However, this is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse should first document the finding and continue to assess the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for a laxative might be appropriate if the client is experiencing constipation. However, administering a laxative without further assessment and documentation of the bowel sounds could lead to complications. The nurse should document the finding first and then collaborate with the healthcare provider for further interventions.

Choice C reason: Documenting the assessment finding is the most appropriate initial action. This ensures that the lack of bowel sounds is recorded in the client's medical record, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and communication with the healthcare team. Proper documentation also helps in tracking changes in the client's condition and making informed decisions about subsequent care.

Choice D reason: Preparing to insert a nasogastric tube might be necessary if the client develops symptoms of bowel obstruction or other complications. However, this action should follow the documentation and further assessment of the client's condition. The nurse should document the finding first to provide a basis for any further interventions.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not primarily reduce the inflammatory process. Its main action is related to dopamine synthesis and availability.

Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not slow scarring in the myelin sheath. This medication targets dopamine deficiency, not myelin health.

Choice C reason: Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for motor control. Parkinson's disease is characterized by dopamine deficiency, and this medication helps to replenish dopamine levels, improving muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and stiffness.

Choice D reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is not an antiseizure medication. It is specifically used to manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease by addressing dopamine deficiency.

A. Continue the normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour and encourage increased oral fluid intake. B. Slow the normal saline to a keep open rate while contacting the healthcare provider. C. Review the client's medications to see if the client can be given a PRN diuretic. D. Instruct the client to withhold oral fluids and report the symptoms to the provider.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Continuing the normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour and encouraging increased oral fluid intake is the appropriate action. The client is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and inelastic skin turgor, indicating a need for more fluids. Ensuring proper hydration through both IV and oral routes is essential.

Choice B reason: Slowing the normal saline to a keep open rate while contacting the healthcare provider is not appropriate in this situation. The client needs more fluids, not less. Reducing the IV rate could exacerbate dehydration.

Choice C reason: Reviewing the client's medications to see if the client can be given a PRN diuretic is not suitable for a client showing signs of dehydration. Diuretics would further decrease fluid volume and worsen the symptoms.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to withhold oral fluids and report the symptoms to the provider is contrary to managing dehydration. The client needs increased fluid intake to address the signs of dehydration effectively.

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When assessing a client on the first postoperative day following abdominal surgery, the nurse does not hear any bowel sounds. In response to this finding, which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When teaching a client with Parkinson's disease, which rationale for the prescription of carbidopa-levodopa should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who is receiving normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour has dry, sticky mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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