A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following recent abdominal surgery. What is the most important nursing action when caring for this patient?

Questions 15

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Concepts and Cases in Nursing Ethics Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following recent abdominal surgery. What is the most important nursing action when caring for this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring that the nasogastric tube is functioning is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a paralytic ileus. A paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the intestine, leading to a lack of bowel motility. This can result in a buildup of gas and fluids in the intestines, causing abdominal distension, pain, and potential complications.

Question 2 of 9

The nurse evaluates teaching provided to a patient with a newly created ileal diversion with a continent reservoir. Which patient behavior indicates teaching has been effective?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with a newly created ileal diversion with a continent reservoir, demonstrating care for the collection device signifies that the patient has understood the importance of maintaining hygiene and proper management of the device. This behavior indicates that the teaching provided by the nurse has been effective in helping the patient take care of the diversion and prevent complications such as infection or skin irritation. Understanding how to care for the collection device is crucial for the patient's overall well-being and quality of life with the continent reservoir.

Question 3 of 9

An adult client is experiencing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Which nursing interventions are appropriate based on the data provided? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A. Initiate oxygen therapy: Providing oxygen therapy is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation and tissue perfusion during episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Question 4 of 9

A client with cardiomyopathy receiving diuretic therapy has a urine output of 200 mL in 8 hours. Which action by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A urine output of 200 mL in 8 hours is considered low, especially for a client with cardiomyopathy who is receiving diuretic therapy. This could indicate inadequate cardiac output or worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications. Waiting for improvement without taking action could lead to deterioration in the client's condition.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse is caring for an adult client who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as a child, which was later repaired with surgery. Which common complication of a heart defect should the nurse monitor that the client may still be at risk for?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Endocarditis is a common complication that individuals with repaired congenital heart defects may still be at risk for. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The altered structure of the heart tissue from the previous defect and surgery can create an increased risk for bacterial growth and infection. Patients with a history of congenital heart defects should be monitored for signs and symptoms of endocarditis, such as fever, fatigue, new heart murmurs, and evidence of systemic embolization. Prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental and surgical procedures may be recommended to prevent endocarditis in this population. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring for any symptoms suggestive of endocarditis in this client.

Question 6 of 9

After a stroke, sensory-perceptual changes increase the client's risk for what?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After a stroke, sensory-perceptual changes such as impaired proprioception, altered sensation, and decreased awareness of the affected side can increase the client's risk for injury. These changes can result in difficulties with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, making the individual more prone to falls and accidents. It is important to implement safety measures and interventions to minimize the risk of injury in these clients, such as providing a structured environment, using assistive devices, and encouraging regular monitoring and assistance as needed.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is determining the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing. Which assessment finding would be present if the patient has rheumatoid arthritis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In rheumatoid arthritis, the health history often includes systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fever. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple joints symmetrically. Unlike osteoarthritis where joint stiffness is often relieved by activity, stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis is typically worse in the morning and after inactivity. In rheumatoid arthritis, joint deformities can occur in various joints, not just limited to the hands. Heberden's nodes are characteristic of osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 8 of 9

A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following recent abdominal surgery. What is the most important nursing action when caring for this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring that the nasogastric tube is functioning is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a paralytic ileus. A paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the intestine, leading to a lack of bowel motility. This can result in a buildup of gas and fluids in the intestines, causing abdominal distension, pain, and potential complications.

Question 9 of 9

A client who is taking beta-adrenergic blockers for angina is experiencing hypovolemic shock. Which does the nurse anticipate being the priority collaborative intervention for this client?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a client experiencing hypovolemic shock, the priority collaborative intervention is to provide replacement of volume to improve tissue perfusion and restore organ function. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant loss of intravascular volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Beta-adrenergic blockers can exacerbate hypovolemic shock by further decreasing cardiac output and blood pressure. Therefore, the immediate priority is to address the hypovolemia by providing volume replacement through fluid resuscitation to stabilize the patient before assessing the cause of bleeding or establishing invasive cardiac monitoring. Administering analgesics for pain control is important but not the priority in this situation.

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