A patient who has just had a TURP asks his nurse to explain why he has to have the bladder irrigation because it seems to increase his pain. Which of the following explanations by the nurse is best?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best explanation for the patient is option C, which states, "The irrigation is needed to keep the catheter from becoming occluded by blood clots." After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it is common for the patient to have some bleeding in the bladder. Bladder irrigation is done to prevent blood clots from forming and blocking the catheter. Keeping the catheter patent is important to ensure proper drainage of urine and prevent complications such as urinary retention. While the other options are related to potential reasons for bladder irrigation, option C directly addresses the immediate concern of preventing catheter occlusion by blood clots post-TURP surgery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient experiencing hemorrhage from multiple trauma sites leading to hypovolemia, compensatory mechanisms typically include an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), a decrease in urine output (oliguria), and an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea). These mechanisms are the body's way of trying to maintain vital organ perfusion in the setting of decreased blood volume. However, hypertension is not typically seen in the setting of hypovolemia. In fact, blood pressure tends to decrease as a result of reduced circulating volume.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Comparing the patient's present weight with her last weight is the best way to quickly assess volume depletion in Miss CC. As she has been experiencing frequent diarrhea leading to blood and fluid loss, changes in weight are a reliable indicator of changes in the body's fluid status. A significant decrease in weight would suggest a loss of fluid and potential hypovolemia due to the diarrhea. This method is simple, immediate, and directly reflects the impact of the fluid loss on the body's volume status. Measuring the quantity and specific gravity of her urine output could provide information on her kidney function but may not be as quick and direct in evaluating volume depletion as comparing her current weight with her last recorded weight. Taking her blood pressure is important in assessing overall cardiovascular status but may not be as immediate in reflecting the impact of fluid loss on volume status. Administering the oral water test is not a standard method for quickly assessing volume depletion in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The amount of suction typically required for routine suctioning for adults using a portable suction unit at home is 80-120 mmHg for an adult patient. However, for children or individuals with sensitive airways, the recommended amount of suction is lower, ranging from 2-5 mmHg. Since the question mentions that James is using the unit at home, it is safer to assume that a lower amount of suction (2-5 mmHg) would be appropriate for his needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cheese is high in sodium and should be avoided by patients on a low-sodium diet. It is a common source of hidden sodium in many diets. Other high-sodium foods that should be limited or avoided include processed meats, canned soups, processed snacks, and condiments. Patients should focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken (with no added salt), and whole grains to maintain a low-sodium diet.