Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks Related

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When a patient develops a temperature of 39.8 degree centigrade after an abdominal surgery with an ongoing blood transfusion, the PACU nurse should notify the surgeon as this may indicate ______.

  • A. abdominal tissue injury
  • B. on going potential infection
  • C. post-anesthesia drug reaction
  • D. allergic reaction from blood transfusion
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius (103.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in a patient following abdominal surgery and ongoing blood transfusion may indicate an ongoing potential infection. During surgery, the body is exposed to various microorganisms, and the stress of surgery can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections. Blood transfusions also carry a risk of introducing infections if not properly screened. Therefore, in this situation, an elevated temperature may be a sign that an infection is developing, and prompt notification of the surgeon is important for further evaluation and management.