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An elderly client is three days post-operative an anterior and posterior colporrhaphy. Which of the following assessments has the highest priority in this client's care? Select one: a. Oral temperature 100.8 F (38.2 C). b. Apical pulse 90 and slightly irregular. c. Breath sounds decreased with fine crackles audible at bilateral bases. d. Abdomen firm and tender to palpation above the symphysis pubis.

Answer :

Final answer:

Breath sounds decreased with fine crackles audible at bilateral bases' is the highest priority assessment in this case. This could indicate a pulmonary complication such as pneumonia, a serious condition requiring immediate attention in a post-operative context.

Explanation:

When prioritising care for a post-operative anterior and posterior colporrhaphy patient, it is critical to understand the potential complications that can arise in such cases. In this scenario, the four assessments have their own significance; however, the highest priority should be given to observation 'c. Breath sounds decreased with fine crackles audible at bilateral bases'.

The anterior and posterior colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure to repair prolapsed vaginal wall involving the bladder (anterior) or the rectum (posterior). Post-operative complications can include impaired breathing which can lead to other severe issues such as hypemia or reduced oxygen concentration in the blood. Therefore, observation 'c' represents a potential pulmonary complication and can be indicative of a condition like pneumonia, as crackles at the bases of the lungs can be a sign of fluid build-up associated with this disease.

While the other options, like the elevated temperature and irregular pulse, indicate infection and cardiac irregularities respectively, and the firm and tender abdomen could imply post-operative complications within the surgical site, breath function is pivotal to life and is imperative to be assessed immediately.

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