Author Question: Which order should the nurse question when caring for a child after surgery for Hirschsprung's ... (Read 33 times)

michelleunicorn · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Which order should the nurse question when caring for a child after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease?

a. Monitor rectal temperature every 4 hours and report an elevation greater than 38.5 C.
b. Assess stools after surgery.
c. Keep the child NPO until bowel sounds return.
d. Maintain IV fluids at an ordered rate.

Question 2

The nurse caring for a child with suspected appendicitis should question which physician prescriptions?

a. Keep patient NPO.
b. Start IV of D5/0.45 normal saline at 60 mL/hr.
c. Apply K-pad to abdomen prn for pain.
d. Obtain CBC on admission to the nursing unit.

raili21 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Rectal temperatures should not be taken after this surgery. Rectal temperatures are generally not the route of choice for children because of the route's traumatic nature. Assessing stools after surgery is an appropriate intervention postoperatively. Stools should be soft and formed. Keeping the child NPO until bowel sounds return is an appropriate intervention postoperatively. Maintaining IV fluids at an ordered rate is an appropriate postoperative order.

Answer to Question 2

C
A K-pad (moist heat device) is contraindicated for suspected appendicitis because it may contribute to the rupture of the appendix. NPO status is appropriate for the potential appendectomy client. An IV is appropriate both as a preoperative intervention and to compensate for the short-term NPO status. Because appendicitis is frequently reflected in an elevated WBC, laboratory data are needed.