Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System and Accessory Structures Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System and Accessory Structures related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client following a colonoscopy. During the procedure, two medium-sized polyps were removed. Which nursing assessment in the recovery area is a priority?

  • A. Assessment of level of consciousness
  • B. Hemoccult test of stool
  • C. Vital signs
  • D. Ability to tolerate liquids
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse is correct in assessing vital signs following a colonoscopy with polyp removal as a priority. Vital signs of an increased pulse rate and falling blood pressure can indicate a perforation and bleeding. If a perforation occurs and is not addressed at an early stage, the client's level of consciousness can become affected. There would be no reliable stool present in the bowel to Hemoccult test due to the cleansing agent and potential bleeding from the polyp removal. The ability to tolerate fluids relates to the sedation process and is not as high of a priority.