Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a postoperative client following a perineal prostatectomy.
Answer Choices:
Rationale:
🟢 Apply warm compresses to the incision site
🔹 Warm compresses are an appropriate comfort intervention that promotes localized vasodilation, reducing swelling and discomfort at the incision site.
🔹 This non-invasive method improves circulation, accelerates healing, and minimizes the need for systemic analgesics.
🔹 It aligns with standard postoperative care protocols and does not compromise the surgical site.
🟢 Maintain bed rest for 2 days postoperatively
🔹 Prolonged bed rest increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and deconditioning in postoperative clients.
🔹 Early ambulation is encouraged after prostatectomy to stimulate circulation, support bowel motility, and reduce respiratory complications.
🔹 Bed rest for 2 days is no longer a best practice in post-surgical recovery unless complications are present.
🟢 Irrigate indwelling urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline — Contraindicated
🔹 Catheter irrigation without a specific provider order is not recommended because it may introduce pathogens and disrupt the bladder or urethral mucosa.
🔹 This can lead to infection or trauma, especially in a surgical area where healing is ongoing.
🔹 Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) may be ordered but must follow strict aseptic technique and protocols.
🟢 Administer enema to relieve constipation
🔹 Enemas can increase intra-abdominal and pelvic pressure, which may disrupt the surgical site and increase the risk of bleeding or wound dehiscence.
🔹 Post-prostatectomy clients are vulnerable to pelvic trauma, so bowel interventions should be gentle—stool softeners or dietary fiber are preferred.
🔹 Invasive rectal procedures are avoided unless absolutely necessary.
🟢 Place a blanket roll under the client’s knees while in bed
🔹 Using a knee roll can cause venous stasis, impairing circulation and increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
🔹 This positioning can also contribute to joint stiffness or contractures, especially in immobile clients.
🔹 Optimal positioning involves the client lying flat or slightly elevated without prolonged knee flexion.
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This question is from RN ATI Comprehensive Predictor~2023 Exam A which contains 139 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI EXIT Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam(s)~2019
- Answer Choices: 0