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 client was exposed to anthrax. Which of the following antibiotics should be administered?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic effective in treating anthrax exposure. Fluconazole (Choice A) is an antifungal medication used for fungal infections, not anthrax. Tobramycin (Choice B) is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections but is not the first line of treatment for anthrax. Vancomycin (Choice D) is also an antibiotic, but it is not the preferred choice for treating anthrax.

3. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.

4. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

5. A school nurse is developing a teaching plan about testicular cancer for a group of clients. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because testicles should be uniform in consistency when performing a self-exam, and any lumps or abnormalities should be reported. Choice A is incorrect as testicular self-examinations should be performed monthly, not weekly. Choice B is incorrect because the epididymis should be included in the examination. Choice D is incorrect because a warm shower helps relax the scrotum, making the exam easier to perform.

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