Author Question: A client with abdominal incisions experiences excruciating pain when he tries to cough. What should ... (Read 78 times)

joe · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client with abdominal incisions experiences excruciating pain when he tries to cough. What should the nurse do to reduce the client's discomfort when coughing?

A) Administer prescribed pain medication just before coughing.
B) Ask the client to drink plenty of water before coughing.
C) Ask the client to lie in a lateral position when coughing.
D) Administer prescribed pain medication 30 minutes before deliberately attempting to cough.

Question 2

A nurse is taking care of a client during the immediate post-operative period. Which of the following duties performed during the immediate post-operative period is most important?

A) Ensure the safe recovery of surgical clients.
B) Monitor the client for complications.
C) Prepare a room for the client's return.
D) Assess the client's health constantly.

annierak · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Coughing is painful for clients with abdominal or chest incisions. Administering pain medication approximately 30 minutes before coughing, or splinting the incision when coughing, can reduce discomfort. Making the client lie in a lateral position or asking the client to drink plenty of water is not helpful because it will make breathing and coughing even more difficult for the client.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
The immediate post-operative period refers to the first 24 hours after surgery. During this time, the nurse monitors the client for complications as he or she recovers from anesthesia. Once the client is stable, the nurse prepares a room for the client's return and assesses the client to prevent or minimize potential complications. The nurse ensures the safe recovery of the client after the client has stabilized.