The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a cataract extraction and during the early postoperative period is complaining of nausea and severe eye pain over the operative site. What should be the initial nursing action?
Turn the client onto their operative side.
Administer the prescribed pain medication and antiemetic.
Call the surgeon.
Reassure the client that this is normal.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Turning the client onto their operative side could increase pressure on the eye and is not an appropriate first action.
B. Administering prescribed pain medication and antiemetic is essential to address the client's severe pain and nausea, which are priority concerns in the postoperative period.
C. While it may be necessary to notify the surgeon if symptoms persist, the immediate priority is to alleviate the client's discomfort.
D. Reassuring the client that these symptoms are normal is misleading; severe pain and nausea postoperatively should be addressed promptly.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Exophthalmos is typically associated with hyperthyroidism (specifically Graves' disease) rather than hypothyroidism.
B. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is also more common in hyperthyroid states, not hypothyroidism.
C. Palpitations are indicative of an increased metabolic rate, which is common in hyperthyroidism; therefore, they would not be expected in a client with hypothyroidism.
D. Lethargy is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolism, leading to fatigue and reduced energy levels, making it the expected finding.