Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a female client reports having persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to her back. Based on these findings, the nurse should observe the client for which pathophysiological condition?
Acute pancreatitis.
Biliary duct obstruction.
Surgical site infection.
Hepatorenal failure.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Acute pancreatitis is a potential complication after cholecystectomy. The persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back is a classic symptom of acute pancreatitis. This condition can occur due to the migration of gallstones or other factors affecting the pancreas.
Choice B rationale
Biliary duct obstruction can cause upper abdominal pain, but it is less likely to present with pain radiating to the back. This condition typically presents with jaundice and other symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Surgical site infection can cause abdominal pain, but it is usually localized to the surgical site and does not typically radiate to the back. Other signs of infection, such as fever and redness, would also be present.
Choice D rationale
Hepatorenal failure is a severe condition that can occur in patients with liver disease, but it is not commonly associated with pain radiating to the back. It typically presents with symptoms of liver and kidney dysfunction.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the first intervention to implement. The client’s weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest the presence of retained respiratory secretions, which can impair breathing and lead to further respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Offering a prescribed PRN analgesic is important for overall comfort but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases may provide valuable information but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Administering a prescribed antipyretic is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Serum blood glucose level is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a wound site. While blood glucose levels can affect wound healing, they do not provide specific information about the presence of infection.
Choice B rationale
Culture for sensitive organisms is the most appropriate laboratory value to note when purulent drainage is observed. This test helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines the most effective antibiotics for treatment.
Choice C rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) level is a marker of inflammation and can indicate the presence of an infection, but it does not provide specific information about the bacteria causing the infection.
Choice D rationale
Blood pH level is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a wound site. While blood pH can be affected by severe infections, it is not a specific indicator of wound infection.