The nurse caring for a client one (1) day postoperative sigmoid resection notes a moderate amount of dark reddish brown drainage on the midline abdominal incision. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Mark the drainage on the dressing with the time and date.
- B. Change the dressing immediately using sterile technique.
- C. Notify the health-care provider immediately.
- D. Reinforce the dressing with a sterile gauze pad.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dark reddish brown drainage one day post-surgery suggests possible bleeding or dehiscence, warranting immediate notification of the HCP for evaluation. Marking or reinforcing the dressing delays action, and changing the dressing is secondary.
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A distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy is performed on a client with cancer of the pancreas. He is returned to his room postoperatively. The client is sleepy but can answer simple questions appropriately. His dressing is dry and intact. Vital signs are within normal limits. Which of the following nursing measures must be done before the nurse leaves the room?
- A. Inform his wife that he has returned to his room.
- B. Check to see if the indwelling urinary catheter bag is correctly attached to the bed frame.
- C. Assess to be sure he is not experiencing any discomfort.
- D. Put all four side rails in the high position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Raising all four side rails ensures safety for a sleepy postoperative client, preventing falls.
The nurse is admitting the client with gastric cancer to an oncology unit for treatment. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to review the medical record to determine whether the cancer may have metastasized to the peritoneal cavity?
- A. The client is reporting nausea.
- B. Grey Turner’s sign is present.
- C. The client reports a rapid weight loss.
- D. Ascites is evident in the abdomen.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Nausea is a sign of gastric outlet obstruction or impending hemorrhage. B. Grey Turner’s sign is a symptom of pancreatitis, not metastasis. C. Weight loss is an initial sign associated with cancer. D. The presence of ascites indicates seeding of the tumor in the peritoneal cavity.
The HCP writes the following admission orders for the client with possible appendicitis. Which order should the nurse question?
- A. Place on NPO (nothing per mouth) status.
- B. No analgesics until diagnosis is confirmed.
- C. Apply heat to abdomen to decrease pain.
- D. Start IV lactated Ringer’s at 125 mL/hr.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Clients are kept NPO in case surgery is needed. B. Analgesic medications are usually withheld until a definitive diagnosis is established to avoid masking critical symptom changes. C. The nurse should question applying heat to the abdomen when appendicitis is suspected. Heat is contraindicated because it increases circulation, which, in turn, could cause the appendix to rupture. D. Isotonic IV fluids are initiated to replace lost body fluid and prevent dehydration.
The clinic nurse is caring for a client who is 67 inches tall and weighs 100 kg. The client complains of occasional pyrosis, which resolves with standing or with taking antacids. Which treatment should the nurse expect the HCP to order?
- A. Place the client on a weight loss program.
- B. Instruct the client to eat three (3) balanced meals.
- C. Tell the client to take an antiemetic before each meal.
- D. Discuss the importance of decreasing alcohol intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pyrosis (heartburn) in an overweight client (BMI ~33) suggests GERD, and weight loss reduces abdominal pressure and reflux. Balanced meals, antiemetics, and alcohol reduction are less primary.
The nurse writes the problem 'imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements' for the client diagnosed with hepatitis. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Provide a high-calorie intake diet.
- B. Discuss total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- C. Instruct the client to decrease salt intake.
- D. Encourage the client to increase water intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A high-calorie diet addresses malnutrition and weight loss common in hepatitis, supporting recovery. TPN is invasive, salt restriction is unrelated, and water intake is less critical.
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