a nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery what is the nurses priority action to prevent complications
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent complications?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting deep breathing and optimal lung expansion. Ambulating, repositioning, and administering pain medication are important interventions but do not take precedence over preventing respiratory complications in the immediate postoperative period.

2. A healthcare professional in a clinic sees a client who has an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following medications should reduce the symptoms?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Albuterol via jet nebulizer is the correct choice in this scenario as it is a short-acting bronchodilator that quickly relieves bronchospasm during an asthma exacerbation. Cromolyn (Choice A) is a mast cell stabilizer used for prevention, not quick relief. Budesonide (Choice B) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control, not for acute symptom relief. Montelukast (Choice C) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for maintenance therapy, not for immediate symptom relief during an exacerbation.

3. A case manager at an assisted living facility is reviewing the use of complementary health practices by several clients. Which of the following actions should the case manager plan to take?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tai chi is a recognized complementary health practice for stress reduction. Scheduling time for a new client to continue tai chi practice aligns with supporting holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because reporting a client's use of echinacea as a contraindication to aspirin therapy is not necessary without further context or evidence of interactions. Choice C is wrong because yoga can indeed be effective in reducing manifestations of menopause. Choice D is also incorrect because while cranberry juice is known to help prevent urinary tract infections, it is not typically used to treat existing infections.

4. In a disaster where a building has collapsed, which victim should a nurse attend to first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a disaster situation like a building collapse, the nurse should attend to the victim with a partial amputation of a leg who is bleeding profusely first. This victim is at immediate risk of severe blood loss, which can be life-threatening. It is crucial to address life-threatening injuries like severe bleeding before attending to other less urgent cases. The victim with the amputation requires immediate intervention to control bleeding and stabilize their condition. Victims who are already deceased or have less urgent injuries can be attended to after addressing the critical cases.

5. The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, 'I always get a rash when I eat shellfish.' Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Notifying the provider of the client's shellfish allergy is crucial to prevent a potential reaction from the contrast dye. While attaching a wristband indicating the allergy may be necessary, the priority is to inform the provider. Asking the client about other foods causing a similar reaction or notifying the dietary department, although important, are not the priority in this situation.

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