Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Quizlet Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Quizlet related questions and content

Patients are at risk for overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) following splenectomy. Which of the ff. symptoms alerts the nurse to this possibility?

  • A. Bruising around the operative site
  • B. Pain
  • C. Irritability
  • D. Fever
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever. Following splenectomy, patients are at risk for OPSI due to impaired immune response. Fever is a key symptom of infection and should alert the nurse to this possibility. Bruising around the operative site (A) is expected post-surgery. Pain (B) is common after surgery and may not specifically indicate OPSI. Irritability (C) is a vague symptom and not specific to OPSI. In summary, fever is the most concerning symptom as it can indicate an underlying infection in a postsplenectomy patient.