Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

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The nurse is assessing the client recovering from abdominal surgery who has a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. The client has shallow respirations and refuses to deep breathe. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

  • A. Insist the client take deep breaths.
  • B. Notify the surgeon to request a chest x-ray.
  • C. Determine the last time the client used the PCA pump.
  • D. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Determining PCA use assesses if overmedication is causing shallow respirations, guiding further action. Insisting on breathing, x-rays, or oxygen are secondary without cause.