Which client should a nurse evaluate first on a surgical unit?
A two-day postoperative client who has a large abdominal incision and says, “Something feels like it just popped open after I practiced my coughing”.
A two-day postoperative client who has bile-colored fluid draining from his nasogastric tube and says, “I feel like I might vomit.”.
A three-day postoperative client who has an ileostomy and reports the need to have a bowel movement.
A three-day postoperative client who is receiving intravenous antibiotics for a wound infection.
The Correct Answer is A
A two-day postoperative client who has a large abdominal incision and says, “Something feels like it just popped open after I practiced my coughing”. This client may have a dehiscence or separation of the surgical wound, which is a serious complication that requires immediate attention.
The nurse should evaluate this client first and notify the surgeon.
Choice B is wrong because bile-colored fluid draining from a nasogastric tube is an expected finding after abdominal surgery and does not indicate an urgent problem.
The nurse should monitor the client’s fluid and electrolyte balance and provide antiemetics as needed.
Choice C is wrong because a three-day postoperative client who has an ileostomy and reports the need to have a bowel movement may have a paralytic ileus or a temporary cessation of bowel motility. This is a common postoperative complication that usually resolves within 72 hours.
The nurse should assess the client’s bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and ostomy output and encourage early mobilization and oral intake as tolerated.
Choice D is wrong because a three-day postoperative client who is receiving intravenous antibiotics for a wound infection may have a surgical site infection or an infection that occurs within 30 days of surgery. This is a preventable complication that can be managed with antibiotics, wound care, and infection control measures.
The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory values and educate the client on signs and symptoms of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Maintain trust and avoid behaviors that may increase agitation. This is because the client is likely experiencing a manic episode, which is characterized by increased activity, rapid speech, and decreased need for sleep. The nurse should use a calm and supportive approach, provide a safe and structured environment, and avoid confrontation or criticism.
Choice B is wrong because ordering the client to go to their room and alerting security would escalate the situation and violate the client’s rights.
Choice C is wrong because telling the client to sit down or risk isolation and loss of privileges would be threatening and punitive, which could increase the client’s agitation and anger.
Choice D is wrong because sedating the client after collecting a lithium level would be premature and inappropriate without a physician’s order and without assessing the client’s vital signs, mental status, and medication history. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can cause toxicity if the level is too high.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because itching is a subjective assessment finding, which means it is based on the personal experience, view or feeling of the
patient. The other choices are objective assessment findings, which means they are based on observable or measurable data that the nurse can collect.
For example:
Choice A is wrong because hives are a visible skin reaction that can be seen and measured by the nurse.
Choice C is wrong because vomiting is an observable action that can be verified and recorded by the nurse.
Choice D is wrong because abdominal distension is a measurable change in the size or shape of the abdomen that can be assessed by the nurse.
Normal ranges for objective assessment findings may vary depending on the source and context, but some possible examples are:
- Hives: No hives or rashes on the skin are normal.
- Vomiting: No vomiting or nausea are normal.
- Abdominal distension: Normal abdominal girth for adults ranges from 68 to 100 cm (27 to 40 inches).
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