what are the common causes of postoperative pain and how should it be managed
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. What are the common causes of postoperative pain and how should it be managed?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative pain is commonly caused by the surgical incision and muscle tension. The correct answer is A. Surgical incisions cause tissue damage, triggering pain responses. Muscle tension can result from factors like positioning during surgery or guarding due to pain. Managing postoperative pain caused by surgical incisions and muscle tension involves the use of analgesics to alleviate discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Nerve damage and wound complications may also cause pain but are not as common as surgical incisions and muscle tension. Hypotension and respiratory issues are not direct causes of postoperative pain. Infection at the incision site can lead to pain, but it is a specific complication rather than a common cause of postoperative pain.

2. A nurse is collecting data from a client who has multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the inability to perform activities of daily living, such as opening a milk carton, suggests difficulties with fine motor skills. Occupational therapists specialize in helping individuals regain independence in such tasks. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address fine motor skills related to activities of daily living, therefore not warranting an occupational therapy referral. Choice A mentions lifting the arm, which involves gross motor skills rather than fine motor skills. Choice B involves holding a pencil, which is more related to hand dexterity and strength rather than fine motor skills. Choice C, opening a milk carton, could be related to fine motor skills but is not as clear-cut as the inability described in Choice D, where the frustration is explicitly about the inability to perform a daily living task.

3. What are the key steps in administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crush medications and mix with food. When administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia, crushing the medications and mixing them with food is a common method to aid in swallowing. Choice B is incorrect because using a straw could pose a choking hazard for patients with dysphagia. Choice C is incorrect as thickened liquids may not always be suitable for all medications. Choice D is incorrect because having the patient lie flat can increase the risk of aspiration, which is not recommended for patients with dysphagia.

4. What are the early signs of DVT?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leg pain, swelling, and redness are early signs of DVT. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, commonly in the legs. These clots can cause symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness in the affected leg. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms more commonly associated with other conditions like pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath and high fever), respiratory issues (cough and chest pain), and cardiovascular problems (decreased oxygen saturation and low blood pressure), respectively. Therefore, they are not indicative of early signs of DVT.

5. A client with acute diverticulitis is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During acute diverticulitis, avoiding fiber is essential as it helps reduce irritation of the intestines. Choice B is incorrect because taking a laxative daily can exacerbate diverticulitis. Choice C is incorrect as IV fluids mainly provide hydration and electrolytes, not all essential nutrients. Choice D is incorrect because during acute diverticulitis, a low-fiber or liquid diet is typically recommended to rest the bowel.

Similar Questions

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A client is postoperative following a hip replacement. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
What should be included in dietary teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease?
A nurse at a long-term care facility is transcribing new prescriptions for four clients. Which of the following prescriptions is accurately transcribed by the nurse?
What is the appropriate intervention for fluid overload?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses