Nokea
A client has just had cardiothoracic surgery and tells the nurse about having a 6-month-old grandchild. The client states, 'I can't wait to hold my grandchild!' What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. I bet your grandchild is wonderful, and I know you are glad you made it through the surgery.
- B. I am sure you are excited to see your grandchild, but you must refrain from lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 10 pounds for at least 6 to 12 weeks.
- C. You will not be able to lift that grandchild for at least 6 months, but you can sit with him and play.
- D. You have done so well after your surgery, and there are no restrictions for your activities.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client must refrain from lifting, pushing, or pulling anything that weighs more than 10 lb. until the physician relieves the restriction in approximately 6 to 12 weeks. Telling the client 'I know you are glad you made it through the surgery' is not an informative or therapeutic response. Six months for lifting is an excessive time frame for activity to resume. There are several restrictions that the client should be made aware of during the postoperative time period.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nursing instructor is giving a class on assessing cardiac clients after thoracic surgery. What assessment is most important for the nurse to perform when caring for this client?
- A. Pulmonary artery pressure
- B. Temperature
- C. Skin and mentation
- D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse assesses the blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate in both arms after thoracic surgery. Although it is necessary for the nurse to also assess pulmonary artery pressure, temperature, skin, and mentation after thoracic surgery, blood pressure and pulse rate are the most essential assessments.
The client presents to the Emergency Department with blunt trauma causing bruising and bleeding of the heart. The nurse knows that which of the following may help stop the bleeding?
- A. Embolectomy
- B. Pericardiocentesis
- C. Thoracentesis
- D. Inactivity and pressure from blood in the pericardium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The inactivity and increased pressure from blood in the pericardium may stop the bleeding. The client may need to have the blood aspirated from the pericardial sac, in which case pericardiocentesis is performed. One aspiration is sufficient in most cases, but if bleeding continues, open thoracotomy is indicated to control blood loss. Procedures to stop the bleeding caused by heart trauma do not include embolectomy or thoracentesis. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium.
The nurse reinforces teaching for a client who is scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery. The client asks, 'What vessels can be used if my saphenous vein doesn't meet the requirements?' Which vessel(s) should the nurse include in the response to the client? Select all that apply.
- A. The basilic vein
- B. The axillary vein
- C. The popliteal vein
- D. The gastroepiploic artery
- E. The internal thoracic artery
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Alternative graft vessels include the following: the internal mammary and internal thoracic arteries in the chest; the basilic and cephalic veins in the arm, the radial artery in the arm, and the gastroepiploic artery from the stomach, in some cases. The axillary and popliteal veins are not alternative graft vessels; therefore, the nurse should not include them in the response to the client.
The nurse is measuring central venous pressure readings for a client receiving fluid resuscitation. Prior to obtaining the reading, what nursing action is required?
- A. Have the head of the bed at $90^{\circ}$.
- B. Ensure the level of the transducer is at the level of the right atrium.
- C. Ensure the transducer is above the level of the heart.
- D. Ensure the transducer is 2 inches below the level of the heart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When measuring CVP, the nurse makes sure that the transducer is at the level of the client's right atrium; otherwise, an incorrect reading is obtained. The client is positioned supine or with the head slightly elevated but in exactly the same position as during previous measurements. Between CVP measurements, the head of the bed can be raised or lowered.
A client has been admitted for a commissurotomy. The nurse knows that a commissurotomy repairs which of the following?
- A. A ventricle
- B. A valve
- C. Part of the myocardium
- D. An artery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heart valves need surgical repair or replacement if they become narrowed (stenosed) or stretched (incompetent). One method of repair is commissurotomy (opening adhesions in the valve cusps), which is done without direct visualization of the valve.