A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following to prevent complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Encouraging early ambulation Rationale: 1. Early ambulation helps prevent post-operative complications like blood clots and pneumonia. 2. Movement promotes circulation, aids in lung expansion, and prevents muscle atrophy. 3. It also supports bowel function and helps prevent constipation, a common post-operative issue. 4. Ambulation aids in overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility. Other Choices: B: Administering pain medication - Important for comfort but not the top priority for preventing complications. C: Providing wound care and dressing changes - Necessary for wound healing but not the immediate priority to prevent complications. D: Monitoring for signs of infection - Critical but not the primary intervention to prevent complications immediately post-op.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises helps to improve lung function and prevent complications in pneumonia. This intervention can help clear secretions, improve oxygenation, and prevent respiratory distress. Administering antibiotics (choice A) is important but not the priority for immediate patient care. Providing pain relief (choice C) is essential but addressing respiratory function is more critical. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels (choice D) is necessary, but promoting lung function through exercises takes precedence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates the need for further education because it suggests the patient plans to stop taking medication once blood pressure is normal, which can lead to hypertension returning. Monitoring blood pressure, taking medication as prescribed, and decreasing sodium intake are all appropriate actions for managing hypertension. Stopping medication abruptly can be dangerous and should only be done under a healthcare provider's guidance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes, putting them at risk for cardiovascular complications. Step 2: Among the choices, stroke is a common complication associated with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Step 3: Monitoring for signs of stroke is crucial to prevent serious consequences in this patient population. Step 4: Hyperglycemia (A) is a common complication of diabetes, but it is not directly related to the patient's hypertension. Step 5: Hypokalemia (C) is an electrolyte imbalance that can occur in some conditions but is not as directly linked to the patient's history. Step 6: Hypoglycemia (D) is a potential complication in diabetic patients but is not as common as hyperglycemia and is not directly related to hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation to prevent complications. Early ambulation after abdominal surgery helps prevent postoperative complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. It promotes circulation, aids in bowel function, and reduces the risk of atelectasis. Encouraging the patient to move also helps with pain management and overall recovery. Choice A: Administering antiemetics as needed. While addressing nausea and vomiting is important, it is not the top priority in this case. Choice C: Providing wound care and dressing changes. Wound care is crucial, but ensuring early ambulation takes precedence to prevent complications. Choice D: Monitoring for signs of infection. While monitoring for infection is essential, promoting early ambulation is a proactive measure to prevent various complications and enhance recovery.