A client has received atropine sulfate preoperatively. The nurse monitors the client for which effect of the medication in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Urinary retention
- D. Excessive salivation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atropine sulfate is an anticholinergic medication that causes tachycardia, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. The nurse should monitor the client for any of these effects in the immediate postoperative period. None of the other options relate to this medication.
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A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk of developing footdrop. What intervention should the nurse use as a preventive measure?
- A. Mole skin-lined heel protectors
- B. Regular use of posterior splints
- C. Application of pneumatic boots
- D. Avoiding dorsal flexion of the foot
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The effective means of preventing footdrop (plantar flexion) is the use of posterior splints or high-top sneakers. Dorsal flexing of the foot would help to counteract the effects of footdrop. Heel protectors protect the skin but do not prevent footdrop. Pneumatic boots prevent deep vein thrombosis but not footdrop.
The nurse is preparing to assess the respirations of several newborns in the nursery. The nurse performs the procedure and determines that the respiratory rate is normal if which finding is noted?
- A. A respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute in a crying newborn
- B. A respiratory rate of 46 breaths per minute in an awake newborn
- C. A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute in a sleeping newborn
- D. A respiratory rate of 76 breaths per minute in a newly delivered newborn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal respiratory rate varies from 30 to 50 breaths per minute when the infant is not crying. Respirations should be counted for 1 full minute to ensure an accurate measurement because the newborn infant may be a periodic breather. Observing and palpating respirations while the infant is quiet promotes accurate assessment.
The nurse reviews the client's vital signs in the client's chart. Based on these data findings, what is the client's pulse pressure? Fill in the blank.
Correct Answer: 74 mm Hg
Rationale: The difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure is the pulse pressure. Therefore, if the client has a blood pressure of 146/72 mm Hg, then the pulse pressure is 74.
A client with a posterior wall bladder injury has had surgical repair and placement of a suprapubic catheter. What intervention should the nurse plan to implement to prevent complications associated with the use of this catheter?
- A. Monitor urine output every shift.
- B. Measure specific gravity once a shift.
- C. Encourage a high intake of oral fluids.
- D. Avoid kinking of the catheter tubing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A complication after surgical repair of the bladder is disruption of sutures caused by tension on them from urine buildup. The nurse prevents this from happening by ensuring that the catheter is able to drain freely. This involves basic catheter care, including keeping the tubing free from kinks, keeping the tubing below the level of the bladder, and monitoring the flow of urine frequently. Monitoring urine output every shift is insufficient to detect decreased flow from catheter kinking. Measurement of urine specific gravity and a high oral fluid intake do not prevent complications of bladder surgery.
After assisting with a vaginal delivery, what should the nurse do to prevent heat loss via conduction in the newborn?
- A. Wrap the newborn in a blanket.
- B. Close the doors to the delivery room.
- C. Dry the newborn with a warm blanket.
- D. Place the newborn on a warm crib pad.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypothermia caused by conduction occurs when the newborn is on a cold surface, such as a cold pad or mattress. Warming the crib pad will assist in preventing hypothermia by conduction. Radiation occurs when heat from the newborn radiates to a colder surface. Convection occurs as air moves across the newborn's skin from an open door and heat is transferred to the air. Evaporation of moisture from a wet body dissipates heat along with the moisture. Keeping the newborn dry by drying the wet newborn at birth will prevent hypothermia via evaporation.