Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions related questions and content

An oncology patient has just returned from the postanesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patient's plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?

  • A. Assess the patient hourly for signs of compartment syndrome
  • B. Assess the patient's fine motor skills once per shift
  • C. Assess the patient's wound for dehiscence every 4 hours
  • D. Maintain the patient's head of bed at 45 degrees or more at all times
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Post-hemicolectomy, wound dehiscence splitting open is a killer risk, tied to infection or poor healing, needing checks every 4 hours. Compartment syndrome's a fracture thing, not gut surgery. Fine motor's irrelevant here neuro's not the issue. High head-of-bed helps breathing but isn't universal post-op. Nurses in oncology prioritize this, catching leaks or redness early, critical after cancer gut surgery.