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NCLEX Question of the Day
Review the question, check the correct answer, and read the rationale before tomorrow's prompt arrives.
The nurse observes a postoperative patient coughing and holding their abdominal incision. What is the best nursing intervention?
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Administer a strong sedative for pain control.
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Correct answer Provide a pillow for the patient to splint the incision site.
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Instruct the patient to avoid coughing.
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Immediately report to the surgeon.
Rationale
Splinting the incision site with a pillow during coughing helps reduce pain and protect the incision. Avoiding coughing can lead to respiratory complications, and a strong sedative may not be necessary and could suppress respiratory function.
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