A client with a mechanical bowel obstruction reports that the abdominal pain that was previously intermittent and colicky is now more constant. What would be the nurse's priority action?
A. Measure the abdominal girth.
B. Notify the health care provider.
C. Place the client in a knee-chest position.
D. Medicate the client with an opioid analgesic.
B
A change in the nature and timing of abdominal pain in a client with a bowel obstruction can signal peritonitis or perforation. The health care provider should be notified immediately.
You might also like to view...
How often should an individual have a dental exam?
a. depends upon age b. every 2 to 3 years until age 40, then yearly thereafter c. every 6 to 12 months throughout life d. depends upon the individual's overall health
A workplace explosion has left a 40-year-old male patient burned over 65% of his body. His burns are second- and third-degree burns, but he is conscious. What would this person be triaged as?
A) Green B) Yellow C) Red D) Black
The nurse would explain to a client that the most helpful test in the evaluation of a possible pulmonary embolus is
a. alveolar lavage. b. bronchoscopy. c. gallium scan. d. ventilation-perfusion scan.
What benchmarks might be expected to be measured for hospital performance? Select all that apply
a. Average length of hospital stay for cardiac surgery b. Total admissions for cardiac surgery c. Infection rates for cardiac surgery d. Length of surgery e. Deaths by surgeon