The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the preparation of a client for fecal diversion surgery. While inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, the client asks if the surgical opening will be visible. Which action should the PN implement?
Explanation & Rationale
The client's question about whether the surgical opening will be visible suggests that they have concerns or misconceptions about the upcoming fecal diversion surgery. By reviewing the client's expectations of elimination after surgery, the PN can provide accurate information and address any anxieties or concerns the client may have. The other options are not directly related to the client's question and are not the most appropriate actions to take in this situation: A. Determining if this is the client's first indwelling catheter is unrelated to the client's question about the visibility of the surgical opening. It may be important to assess the client's history of urinary catheter use for other purposes, but it does not address the client's immediate concern. B. Asking the client if they finished the bowel sterilization prescription is also unrelated to the visibility of the surgical opening. While bowel sterilization may be a part of the preoperative preparation for fecal diversion surgery, it does not address the client's questions and concerns. D. Verifying that the client had nothing by mouth (NPO) for the past 24 hours is important for general preoperative care but does not address the client's specific question about the visibility of the surgical opening.