health assessment test bank Related

Review health assessment test bank related questions and content

What should be done for a client who is post-op and develops a fever within the first 48 hours?

  • A. Administer antipyretics
  • B. Monitor for signs of infection
  • C. Administer fluids
  • D. Perform an abdominal assessment
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for signs of infection. Within the first 48 hours post-op, fever is often indicative of an infection. Monitoring for signs such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth at the surgical site, elevated white blood cell count, and changes in vital signs helps in early detection and prompt treatment of infections. Administering antipyretics (choice A) may help reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause. Administering fluids (choice C) is important for hydration but does not directly address the fever's cause. Performing an abdominal assessment (choice D) is not specific to addressing fever in a post-op client.