Which of the following should be evaluated by the nurse while providing post-operative care to a lung resection patient as the resection irritates the vagus nerve?

Correct option is A

Answer: (a) Atrial dysrhythmia
Explanation: During lung resection, surgical manipulation may irritate the vagus nerve, which provides parasympathetic innervation to the heart. This irritation can trigger reflex responses leading to bradycardia and various cardiac rhythm disturbances, particularly atrial dysrhythmias. While it is important to monitor overall heart rate and blood pressure in the post-operative period, the specific complication linked to vagal irritation is the development of arrhythmias such as atrial dysrhythmia. Therefore, the nurse should be particularly vigilant in assessing for any abnormal heart rhythms that might indicate atrial dysrhythmia.
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