ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam Related

Review ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam related questions and content

A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

  • A. Encourage the client to drink adequate fluids daily.
  • B. Administer pain medication as needed.
  • C. Instruct the client to splint the incision with a pillow.
  • D. Encourage the client to eat a balanced diet.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client post-bowel resection is to instruct the client to splint the incision with a pillow. This technique helps prevent dehiscence, which is the separation of wound edges, and reduces pain when coughing or moving. Splinting supports the incision site, decreasing tension on the wound. Encouraging the client to drink adequate fluids promotes hydration and aids in recovery, but a specific volume like 1,000 mL mentioned in choice A is not essential. Pain medication should be administered as needed for adequate pain control, not necessarily before every meal. Instructing the client to eat a balanced diet, including adequate protein, is crucial for wound healing and overall recovery, rather than limiting protein intake.