A nurse enters a client's room and discovers the client's abdominal incision is open with the large intestine protruding through the opening. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Alert the emergency response team.
Cover the area with sterile normal saline-soaked gauze.
Place the head of the client's bed at a 15° angle.
Prepare the client for surgery.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Alert the emergency response team: While alerting the team is important, it should not be the first action taken. Immediate care to protect the client’s integrity is the priority before involving additional personnel.
B) Cover the area with sterile normal saline-soaked gauze: This is the most immediate and critical action. Covering the exposed bowel with sterile saline-soaked gauze helps to prevent infection and keeps the tissue moist, which is essential until surgical intervention can be performed.
C) Place the head of the client's bed at a 15° angle: While positioning the client can help with comfort and possibly reduce further protrusion, it is not the priority action in this emergency situation. The exposed bowel requires immediate protection.
D) Prepare the client for surgery: Preparing for surgery is a necessary step, but it should follow the immediate care for the exposed intestine. Ensuring that the bowel is covered and protected takes precedence.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Temperature of 37.9° C (100.2° F): A slight elevation in temperature can be common after surgery and may not indicate a serious issue. It should be monitored, but it is not immediately concerning.
B) Urine output 150 mL over 4 hr: While urine output is an important indicator of kidney function and overall perfusion, this output may still be acceptable depending on the client's overall fluid status and other factors. It does not necessarily require immediate reporting unless there are other concerning symptoms.
C) Bruising around the incisional site: Some bruising can be expected after surgery, particularly with arterial procedures. It should be monitored, but unless there are signs of excessive bleeding or hematoma formation, it is not typically an urgent concern.
D) Pallor in the affected extremity: This finding is critical and should be reported immediately. Pallor could indicate compromised blood flow to the extremity, which could be a sign of complications such as graft occlusion or inadequate perfusion. Prompt intervention may be necessary to prevent serious complications or tissue loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Acute loss of alveolar elasticity: While loss of alveolar elasticity can impact overall lung function, it is more associated with chronic conditions like emphysema rather than acute asthma attacks. In asthma, the primary issue is related to airway obstruction and inflammation rather than alveolar elasticity.
B) Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens: During an acute asthma attack, the airways typically exhibit increased sensitivity and responsiveness to allergens and irritants, not decreased responsiveness. This heightened response contributes to the bronchoconstriction and inflammation seen in asthma.
C) Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response: In an asthma attack, there is actually an exaggerated inflammatory response in the bronchioles. This inflammation leads to swelling, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, which contribute to the difficulty in breathing.
D) Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide: This is a significant factor during an acute asthma attack. The bronchoconstriction and airway obstruction make it difficult for the client to exhale fully, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide. This can cause respiratory acidosis and worsen the client's condition, highlighting the urgency of treatment.