Unit 6 - Surgical Process

If a sterile gauze falls to the ground and hits the from of the surgeon's gown on the way down. What does the nurse do to ensure proper infection control? a. helps the surgeon change the gown b. picks the gauze up with a pair of sterile gloves c. picks the hauze up without touching the surgeon d. sprays an antimicrobial on the surgeon's gown

c. picks the hauze up without touching the surgeon

On the day of surgery, a client with diabetes who takes insulin on a sliding scale is to have nothing by mouth and all medications withheld. The client's 0600 glucose level is 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L). What should the nurse do? a) Administer the insulin dose dictated by the sliding scale. b) Withhold all medications. c) Notify the surgery department. d) Call the health care provider (HCP) for specific prescriptions based on the glucose level.

d) Call the health care provider (HCP) for specific prescriptions based on the glucose level.

A nurse is caring for a client who reports nausea and vomiting 2 days postoperative following hysterectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first? A. Assess bowel sounds. B. Administer antiemetic medication. C. Restart prescribed IV fluids. D. Insert a prescribed nasogastric tube.

A. Assess bowel sounds. Using the nursing process, the first step is to assess the client. Assessing bowel sounds is the priority action by the nurse.

The perioperative nurse is providing care for a patient who is recovering on the postsurgical unit following a transurethral prostate resection (TUPR). The patient is reluctant to ambulate, citing the need to recover in bed. For what complication is the patient most at risk? A) Atelectasis B) Anemia C) Dehydration D) Peripheral edema

Ans: A Feedback: Atelectasis occurs when the postoperative patient fails to move, cough, and breathe deeply. With good nursing care, this is an avoidable complication, but reduced mobility greatly increases the risk. Anemia occurs rarely and usually in situations where the patient loses a significant amount of blood or continues bleeding postoperatively. Fluid shifts postoperatively may result in dehydration and peripheral edema, but the patient is most at risk for atelectasis.

An OR nurse is participating in an interdisciplinary audit of infection control practices in the surgical department. The nurse should know that a basic guideline for maintaining surgical asepsis is what? A) Sterile surfaces or articles may touch other sterile surfaces. B) Sterile supplies can be used on another patient if the packages are intact. C) The outer lip of a sterile solution is considered sterile. D) The scrub nurse may pour a sterile solution from a nonsterile bottle.

Ans: A Feedback: Basic guidelines for maintaining sterile technique include that sterile surfaces or articles may touch other sterile surfaces only. The other options each constitute a break in sterile technique.

You are providing preoperative teaching to a patient scheduled for hip replacement surgery in 1 month. During the preoperative teaching, the patient gives you a list of medications she takes, the dosage, and frequency. Which of the following interventions provides the patient with the most accurate information? A) Instruct the patient to stop taking St. Johns wort at least 2 weeks prior to surgery due to its interaction with anesthetic agents. B) Instruct the patient to continue taking ephedrine prior to surgery due to its beneficial effect on blood pressure. C) Instruct the patient to discontinue Synthroid due to its effect on blood coagulation and the potential for heart dysrhythmias. D) Instruct the patient to continue any herbal supplements unless otherwise instructed, and inform the patient that these supplements have minimal effect on the surgical procedure.

Ans: A Feedback: Because of the potential effects of herbal medications on coagulation and potential lethal interactions with other medications, the nurse must ask surgical patients specifically about the use of these agents, document their use, and inform the surgical team and anesthesiologist, anesthetist, or nurse anesthetist. Currently, it is recommended that the use of herbal products be discontinued at least 2 weeks before surgery. Patients with uncontrolled thyroid disorders are at risk for thyrotoxicosis and respiratory failure. The administration of Synthroid is imperative in the preoperative period. The use of ephedrine in the preoperative phase can cause hypertension and should be avoided.

An OR nurse will be participating in the intraoperative phase of a patients kidney transplant. What action will the nurse prioritize in this aspect of nursing care? A) Monitoring the patients physiologic status B) Providing emotional support to family C) Maintaining the patients cognitive status D) Maintaining a clean environment

Ans: A Feedback: During the intraoperative phase, the nurse is responsible for physiologic monitoring. The intraoperative nurse cannot support the family at this time and the nurse is not responsible for maintaining the patients cognitive status. The intraoperative nurse maintains an aseptic, not clean, environment.

The nurse is preparing an elderly patient for a scheduled removal of orthopedic hardware, a procedure to be performed under general anesthetic. For which adverse effect should the nurse most closely monitor the patient? A) Hypothermia B) Pulmonary edema C) Cerebral ischemia D) Arthritis

Ans: A Feedback: Inadvertent hypothermia may occur as a result of a low temperature in the OR, infusion of cold fluids, inhalation of cold gases, open body wounds or cavities, decreased muscle activity, advanced age, or the pharmaceutical agents used (e.g., vasodilators, phenothiazines, general anesthetics). The anesthetist monitors for pulmonary edema and cerebral ischemia. Arthritis is not an adverse effect of surgical anesthesia.

A clinic nurse is conducting a preoperative interview with an adult patient who will soon be scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery. What interview question most directly addresses the patient's safety? A) What prescription and nonprescription medications do you currently take? B) Have you previously been admitted to the hospital, either for surgery or for medical treatment? C) How long do you expect to be at home recovering after your surgery? D) Would you say that you tend to eat a fairly healthy diet?

Ans: A Feedback: It is imperative to know a preoperative patients current medication regimen, including OTC medications and supplements. None of the other listed questions directly addresses an issue with major safety implications.

One of the things a nurse has taught to a patient during preoperative teaching is to have nothing by mouth for the specified time before surgery. The patient asks the nurse why this is important. What is the most appropriate response for the patient? A) You will need to have food and fluid restricted before surgery so you are not at risk for choking. B) The restriction of food or fluid will prevent the development of pneumonia related to decreased lung capacity. C) The presence of food in the stomach interferes with the absorption of anesthetic agents. D) By withholding food for 8 hours before surgery, you will not develop constipation in the postoperative period.

Ans: A Feedback: The major purpose of withholding food and fluid before surgery is to prevent aspiration. There is no scientific basis for withholding food and the development of pneumonia or interference with absorption of anesthetic agents. Constipation in patients in the postoperative period is related to the anesthesia, not from withholding food or fluid in the hours before surgery.

The nurse is performing the shift assessment of a postsurgical patient. The nurse finds his mental status, level of consciousness, speech, and orientation are intact and at baseline, but the patient tells you he is very anxious. What should the nurse do next? A) Assess the patients oxygen levels. B) Administer antianxiety medications. C) Page the patients the physician. D) Initiate a social work referral.

Ans: A Feedback: The nurse assesses the patients mental status and level of consciousness, speech, and orientation and compares them with the preoperative baseline. Although a change in mental status or postoperative restlessness may be related to anxiety, pain, or medications, it may also be a symptom of oxygen deficit or hemorrhage. Antianxiety medications are not given until the cause of the anxiety is known. The physician is notified only if the reason for the anxiety is serious or if an order for medication is needed. A social work consult is inappropriate at this time.

The circulating nurse in an outpatient surgery center is assessing a patient who is scheduled to receive moderate sedation. What principle should guide the care of a patient receiving this form of anesthesia? A) The patient must never be left unattended by the nurse. B) The patient should begin a course of antiemetics the day before surgery. C) The patient should be informed that he or she will remember most of the procedure. D) The patient must be able to maintain his or her own airway.

Ans: A Feedback: The patient receiving moderate sedation should never be left unattended. The patients ability to maintain his or her airway depends on the level of sedation. The administration of moderate sedation is not a counter indication for giving an antiemetic. The patient receiving moderate sedation does not remember most of the procedure.

An adult patient has just been admitted to the PACU following abdominal surgery. As the patient begins to awaken, he is uncharacteristically restless. The nurse checks his skin and it is cold, moist, and pale. The nurse concerned the patient may be at risk for what? A) Hemorrhage and shock B) Aspiration C) Postoperative infection D) Hypertension and dysrhythmias

Ans: A Feedback: The patient with a hemorrhage presents with hypotension; rapid, thready pulse; disorientation; restlessness; oliguria; and cold, pale skin. Aspiration would manifest in airway disturbance. Hypertension or dysrhythmias would be less likely to cause pallor and cool skin. An infection would not be present at this early postoperative stage.

The anesthetist is coming to the surgical admissions unit to see a patient prior to surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. Which of the following is the priority information that the nurse should provide to the anesthetist during the visit? A) Last bowel movement B) Latex allergy C) Number of pregnancies D) Difficulty falling asleep

Ans: B Feedback: Due to the increased number of patients with latex allergies, it is essential to identify this allergy early on so precautions can be taken in the OR. The anesthetist should be informed of any allergies. This is a priority over pregnancy history, insomnia, or recent bowel function, though some of these may be relevant.

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient who will soon undergo a cardiac bypass. The nurses teaching plan includes exercises of the extremities. What is the purpose of teaching a patient leg exercises prior to surgery? A) Leg exercises increase the patients muscle mass postoperatively. B) Leg exercises improve circulation and prevent venous thrombosis. C) Leg exercises help to prevent pressure sores to the sacrum and heels. D) Leg exercise help increase the patients level of consciousness after surgery.

Ans: B Feedback: Exercise of the extremities includes extension and flexion of the knee and hip joints (similar to bicycle riding while lying on the side) unless contraindicated by type of surgical procedure (e.g., hip replacement). When the patient does leg exercises postoperatively, circulation is increased, which helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Leg exercises do not prevent pressure sores to the sacrum, or increase the patients level of consciousness. Leg exercises have the potential to increase strength and mobility, but are unlikely to make a change to muscle mass in the short term.

The nurse knows that elderly patients are at higher risk for complications and adverse outcomes during the intraoperative period. What is the best rationale for this phenomenon? A) The elderly patient has a more angular bone structure than a younger person. B) The elderly patient has reduced ability to adjust rapidly to emotional and physical stress. C) The elderly patient has impaired thermoregulatory mechanisms, which increase susceptibility to hyperthermia. D) The elderly patient has an impaired ability to decrease his or her metabolic rate.

Ans: B Feedback: Factors that affect the elderly surgical patient in the intraoperative period include the following: impaired ability to increase metabolic rate and impaired thermoregulatory mechanisms increase susceptibility to hypothermia. Bone loss (25% in women, 12% in men) necessitates careful manipulation and positioning during surgery. Reduced ability to adjust rapidly to emotional and physical stress influences surgical outcomes and requires meticulous observation of vital functions. Older adults do not have more angular bones than younger people.

During the care of a preoperative patient, the nurse has given the patient a preoperative benzodiazepine. The patient is now requesting to void. What action should the nurse take? A) Assist the patient to the bathroom. B) Offer the patient a bedpan or urinal. C) Wait until the patient gets to the operating room and is catheterized. D) Have the patient go to the bathroom.

Ans: B Feedback: If a preanesthetic medication is administered, the patient is kept in bed with the side rails raised because the medication can cause lightheadedness or drowsiness. If a patient needs to void following the administration of a sedative, the nurse should offer the patient a urinal. The patient should not get out of bed because of the potential for lightheadedness.

The intraoperative nurse is implementing a care plan that addresses the surgical patients risk for vomiting. Interventions that address the potential for vomiting reduce the risk of what subsequent surgical complication? A) Impaired skin integrity B) Hypoxia C) Malignant hyperthermia D) Hypothermia

Ans: B Feedback: If the patient aspirates vomitus, an asthma-like attack with severe bronchial spasms and wheezing is triggered. Pneumonitis and pulmonary edema can subsequently develop, leading to extreme hypoxia. Vomiting can cause choking, but the question asks about aspirated vomitus. Malignant hyperthermia is an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Aspirated vomitus does not cause hypothermia. Vomiting does not result in impaired skin integrity.

A patient is 2 hours postoperative with a Foley catheter in situ. The last hourly urine output recorded for this patient was 10 mL. The tubing of the Foley is patent. What should the nurse do? A) Irrigate the Foley with 30 mL normal saline. B) Notify the physician and continue to monitor the hourly urine output closely. C) Decrease the IV fluid rate and massage the patients abdomen. D) Have the patient sit in high-Fowlers position.

Ans: B Feedback: If the patient has an indwelling urinary catheter, hourly outputs are monitored and rates of less than 30 mL/hr are reported. The urine output should continue to be monitored hourly by the nurse. Irrigation would not be warranted.

Verification that all required documentation is completed is an important function of the intraoperative nurse. The intraoperative nurse should confirm that the patient's accompanying documentation includes which of the following? A) Discharge planning B) Informed consent C) Analgesia prescription D) Educational resources

Ans: B Feedback: It is important to review the patient's record for the following: correct informed surgical consent, with patient's signature; completed records for health history and physical examination; results of diagnostic studies; and allergies (including latex). Discharge planning records and prescriptions are not normally necessary. Educational resources would not be included at this stage of the surgical process.

The nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient scheduled for surgery. The nurse is instructing the patient on the use of deep breathing, coughing, and the use of incentive spirometry when the patient states, I dont know why youre focusing on my breathing. My surgery is on my hip, not my chest. What rationale for these instructions should the nurse provide? A) To prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) B) To promote optimal lung expansion C) To enhance peripheral circulation D) To prevent pneumothorax

Ans: B Feedback: One goal of preoperative nursing care is to teach the patient how to promote optimal lung expansion and consequent blood oxygenation after anesthesia. COPD is not a realistic risk and pneumothorax is also unlikely. Breathing exercises do not primarily affect peripheral circulation.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 2 following a colon resection. While turning him, wound dehiscence with evisceration occurs. What should be the nurses first response? A) Return the patient to his previous position and call the physician. B) Place saline-soaked sterile dressings on the wound. C) Assess the patients blood pressure and pulse. D) Pull the dehiscence closed using gloved hands.

Ans: B Feedback: The nurse should first place saline-soaked sterile dressings on the open wound to prevent tissue drying and possible infection. Then the nurse should call the physician and take the patients vital signs. The dehiscence needs to be surgically closed, so the nurse should never try to close it.

The nurse admits a patient to the PACU with a blood pressure of 132/90 mm Hg and a pulse of 68 beats per minute. After 30 minutes, the patients blood pressure is 94/47 mm Hg, and the pulse is 110. The nurse documents that the patients skin is cold, moist, and pale. Of what is the patient showing signs? A) Hypothermia B) Hypovolemic shock C) Neurogenic shock D) Malignant hyperthermia

Ans: B Feedback: The patient is exhibiting symptoms of hypovolemic shock; therefore, the nurse should notify the patients physician and anticipate orders for fluid and/or blood product replacement. Neurogenic shock does not normally result in tachycardia and malignant hyperthermia would not present at this stage in the operative experience. Hypothermia does not cause hypotension and tachycardia.

A 77-year-old mans coronary artery bypass graft has been successful and discharge planning is underway. When planning the patients subsequent care, the nurse should know that the postoperative phase ends at what time? A) When the patient is returned to his room after surgery B) When a follow-up evaluation in the clinical or home setting is done C) When the patient is fully recovered from all effects of the surgery D) When the family becomes partly responsible for the patients care

Ans: B Feedback: The postoperative phase begins with the admission of the patient to the PACU and ends with a follow-up evaluation in the clinical setting or home.

A patient underwent an open bowel resection 2 days ago and the nurses most recent assessment of the patients abdominal incision reveals that it is dehiscing. What factor should the nurse suspect may have caused the dehiscence? A) The patients surgical dressing was changed yesterday and today. B) The patient has vomited three times in the past 12 hours. C) The patient has begun voiding on the commode instead of a bedpan. D) The patient used PCA until this morning.

Ans: B Feedback: Vomiting can produce tension on wounds, particularly of the torso. Dressing changes and light mobilization are unlikely to cause dehiscence. The use of a PCA is not associated with wound dehiscence.

The PACU nurse is caring for a patient who has arrived from the OR. During the initial assessment, the nurse observes that the patients skin has become blue and dusky. The nurse looks, listens, and feels for breathing, and determines the patient is not breathing. What is the priority intervention? A) Check the patients oxygen saturation level, continue to monitor for apnea, and perform a focused assessment. B) Treat the possible airway obstruction by tilting the head back and pushing forward on the angle of the lower jaw. C) Assess the arterial pulses, and place the patient in the Trendelenburg position. D) Reintubate the patient.

Ans: B Feedback: When a nurse finds a patient who is not breathing, the priority intervention is to open the airway and treat a possible hypopharyngeal obstruction. To treat the possible airway obstruction, the nurse tilts the head back and then pushes forward on the angle of the lower jaw or performs the jaw thrust method to open the airway. This is an emergency and requires the basic life support intervention of airway, breathing, and circulation assessment. Arterial pulses should be checked only after airway and breathing have been established. Reintubation and resuscitation would begin after rapidly ruling out a hypopharyngeal obstruction.

The nurse is caring for a patient after abdominal surgery in the PACU. The patients blood pressure has increased and the patient is restless. The patients oxygen saturation is 97%. What cause for this change in status should the nurse first suspect? A) The patient is hypothermic. B) The patient is in shock. C) The patient is in pain. D) The patient is hypoxic.

Ans: C Feedback: An increase in blood pressure and restlessness are symptoms of pain. The patients oxygen saturation is 97%, so hypothermia, hypoxia, and shock are not likely causes of the patients restlessness.

The clinic nurse is doing a preoperative assessment of a patient who will be undergoing outpatient cataract surgery with lens implantation in 1 week. While taking the patients medical history, the nurse notes that this patient had a kidney transplant 8 years ago and that the patient is taking immunosuppressive drugs. For what is this patient at increased risk when having surgery? A) Rejection of the kidney B) Rejection of the implanted lens C) Infection D) Adrenal storm

Ans: C Feedback: Because patients who are immunosuppressed are highly susceptible to infection, great care is taken to ensure strict asepsis. The patient is unlikely to experience rejection or adrenal storm.

The nurse just received a postoperative patient from the PACU to the medicalsurgical unit. The patient is an 84-year-old woman who had surgery for a left hip replacement. Which of the following concerns should the nurse prioritize for this patient in the first few hours on the unit? A) Beginning early ambulation B) Maintaining clean dressings on the surgical site C) Close monitoring of neurologic status D) Resumption of normal oral intake

Ans: C Feedback: In the initial hours after admission to the clinical unit, adequate ventilation, hemodynamic stability, incisional pain, surgical site integrity, nausea and vomiting, neurologic status, and spontaneous voiding are primary concerns. A patient who has had total hip replacement does not ambulate during the first few hours on the unit. Dressings are assessed, but may have some drainage on them. Oral intake will take more time to resume.

The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old man who has had an outpatient cholecystectomy. The nurse is getting him up for his first walk postoperatively. To decrease the potential for orthostatic hypotension and consequent falls, what should the nurse have the patient do? A) Sit in a chair for 10 minutes prior to ambulating. B) Drink plenty of fluids to increase circulating blood volume. C) Stand upright for 2 to 3 minutes prior to ambulating. D) Perform range-of-motion exercises for each joint.

Ans: C Feedback: Older adults are at an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension secondary to age-related changes in vascular tone. The patient should sit up and then stand for 2 to 3 minutes before ambulating to alleviate orthostatic hypotension. The nurse should assess the patients ability to mobilize safely, but full assessment of range of motion in all joints is not normally necessary. Sitting in a chair and increasing fluid intake are insufficient to prevent orthostatic hypotension and consequent falls.

The nurse is caring for a 79-year-old man who has returned to the postsurgical unit following abdominal surgery. The patient is unable to ambulate and is now refusing to wear an external pneumatic compression stocking. The nurse should explain that refusing to wear external pneumatic compression stockings increases his risk of what postsurgical complication? A) Sepsis B) Infection C) Pulmonary embolism D) Hematoma

Ans: C Feedback: Patients who have surgery that limits mobility are at an increased risk for pulmonary embolism secondary to deep vein thrombosis. The use of an external pneumatic compression stocking significantly reduces the risk by increasing venous return to the heart and limiting blood stasis. The risk of infection or sepsis would not be affected by an external pneumatic compression stocking. A hematoma or bruise would not be affected by the external pneumatic compression stocking unless the stockings were placed directly over the hematoma.

The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old female patient in the PACU. The woman begins to awaken and responds to her name, but is confused, restless, and agitated. What principle should guide the nurses subsequent assessment? A) Postoperative confusion in older adults is an indication of impaired oxygenation or possibly a stroke during surgery. B) Confusion, restlessness, and agitation are expected postoperative findings in older adults and they will diminish in time. C) Postoperative confusion is common in the older adult patent, but it could also indicate a significant blood loss. D) Confusion, restlessness, and agitation indicate an underlying cognitive deficit such as dementia.

Ans: C Feedback: Postoperative confusion is common in the older adult patient, but it could also indicate blood loss and the potential for hypovolemic shock; it is a critical symptom for the nurse to identify. Despite being common, it is not considered to be an expected finding. Postoperative confusion is an indication of an oxygen problem or possibly a stroke during surgery, but blood loss is more likely. A new onset of confusion, restlessness, and agitation does not necessarily suggest an underlying cognitive disorder.

The nurse is caring for a patient on the medicalsurgical unit postoperative day 5. During each patient assessment, the nurse evaluates the patient for infection. Which of the following would be most indicative of infection? A) Presence of an indwelling urinary catheter B) Rectal temperature of 99.5F (37.5C) C) Red, warm, tender incision D) White blood cell (WBC) count of 8,000/mL

Ans: C Feedback: Redness, warmth, and tenderness in the incision area should lead the nurse to suspect a postoperative infection. The presence of any invasive device predisposes a patient to infection, but by itself does not indicate infection. An oral temperature of 99.5F may not signal infection in a postoperative patient because of the inflammatory process. A normal WBC count ranges from 4,000 to 10,000/mL.

The intraoperative nurse is transferring a patient from the OR to the PACU after replacement of the right knee. The patient is a 73-year-old woman. The nurse should prioritize which of the following actions? A) Keeping the patient sterile B) Keeping the patient restrained C) Keeping the patient warm D) Keeping the patient hydrated

Ans: C Feedback: Special attention is given to keeping the patient warm because elderly patients are more susceptible to hypothermia. It is all important for the nurse to pay attention to hydration, but hypovolemia does not occur as quickly as hypothermia. The patient is never sterile and restraints are very rarely necessary.

When the nurse administers IV midazolam, the client demonstrates signs of an overdose. What should the nurse do next? a. ventilate with an oxygenated bag-valve mask b. prepare ECG paddles in case the client has a cardiac arrest c. administer 0.5 mL epinephrine d. titrate flumazenil to reverse the effects of the midazolam

a. ventilate with an oxygenated bag-valve mask

The OR nurse is providing care for a 25-year-old major trauma patient who has been involved in a motorcycle accident. The nurse should know that the patient is at increased risk for what complication of surgery? A) Respiratory depression B) Hypothermia C) Anesthesia awareness D) Moderate sedation

Ans: C Feedback: The Joint Commission has issued an alert regarding the phenomenon of patients being partially awake while under general anesthesia (referred to as anesthesia awareness). Patients at greatest risk of anesthesia awareness are cardiac, obstetric, and major trauma patients. This patient does not likely face a heightened risk of respiratory depression or hypothermia. Moderate sedation is not a complication.

A patient is scheduled for a bowel resection in the morning and the patients orders include a cleansing enema tonight. The patient wants to know why this is necessary. The nurse should explain that the cleansing enema will have what therapeutic effect? A) Preventing aspiration of gastric contents B) Preventing the accumulation of abdominal gas postoperatively C) Preventing potential contamination of the peritoneum D) Facilitating better absorption of medications

Ans: C Feedback: The administration of a cleansing enema will allow for satisfactory visualization of the surgical site and to prevent trauma to the intestine or contamination of the peritoneum by feces. It will have no effect on aspiration of gastric contents or the absorption of medications. The patient should expect to develop gas in the postoperative period.

The perioperative nurse is constantly assessing the surgical patient for signs and symptoms of complications of surgery. Which symptom should first signal to the nurse the possibility that the patient is developing malignant hyperthermia? A) Increased temperature B) Oliguria C) Tachycardia D) Hypotension

Ans: C Feedback: The initial symptoms of malignant hyperthermia are related to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal activity. Tachycardia (heart rate greater than 150 beats per minute) is often the earliest sign. Oliguria, hypotension, and increased temperature are later signs of malignant hyperthermia.

The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery prior to her hysterectomy without oophorectomy. The nurse is witnessing the patient's signature on a consent form. Which comment by the patient would best indicate informed consent? A) I know I'll be fine because the physician said he has done this procedure hundreds of times. B) I know I'll have pain after the surgery but they'll do their best to keep it to a minimum. C) The physician is going to remove my uterus and tell me about the risk of bleeding. D) Because the physician isn't taking my ovaries, I'll still be able to have children.

Ans: C Feedback: The surgeon must inform the patient of the benefits, alternatives, possible risks, complications, disfigurement, disability, and removal of body parts as well as what to expect in the early and late postoperative periods. The nurse clarifies the information provided, and, if the patient requests additional information, the nurse notifies the physician. In the correct response, the patient is able to tell the nurse what will occur during the procedure and the associated risks. This indicates the patient has a sufficient understanding of the procedure to provide informed consent. Clarification of information given may be necessary, but no additional information should be given. The other listed statements do not reflect an understanding of the surgery to be performed.

The circulating nurse will be participating in a 78-year-old patients total hip replacement. Which of the following considerations should the nurse prioritize during the preparation of the patient in the OR? A) The patient should be placed in Trendelenburg position. B) The patient must be firmly restrained at all times. C) Pressure points should be assessed and well-padded. D) The preoperative shave should be done by the circulating nurse.

Ans: C Feedback: The vascular supply should not be obstructed by an awkward position or undue pressure on a body part. During surgical procedures, the patient is at risk for impairment of skin integrity due to a stationary position and immobility. An elderly patient is at an increased risk of injury and impaired skin integrity. A Trendelenburg position is not indicated for this patient. Once anesthetized for a total hip replacement, the patient cannot move; restraints are not necessary. A preoperative shave is not performed; excess hair is removed by means of a clipper.

The PACU nurse is caring for a male patient who had a hernia repair. The patients blood pressure is now 164/92 mm Hg; he has no history of hypertension prior to surgery and his preoperative blood pressure was 112/68 mm Hg. The nurse should assess for what potential causes of hypertension following surgery? A) Dysrhythmias, blood loss, and hyperthermia B) Electrolyte imbalances and neurologic changes C) A parasympathetic reaction and low blood volumes D) Pain, hypoxia, or bladder distention

Ans: D Feedback: Hypertension is common in the immediate postoperative period secondary to sympathetic nervous system stimulation from pain, hypoxia, or bladder distention. Dysrhythmias, blood loss, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalances, and neurologic changes are not common postoperative reasons for hypertension. A parasympathetic reaction and low blood volumes would cause hypotension.

The nurse is creating the care plan for a 70-year-old obese patient who has been admitted to the postsurgical unit following a colon resection. This patients age and increased body mass index mean that she is at increased risk for what complication in the postoperative period? A) Hyperglycemia B) Azotemia C) Falls D) Infection

Ans: D Feedback: Like age, obesity increases the risk and severity of complications associated with surgery. During surgery, fatty tissues are especially susceptible to infection. In addition, obesity increases technical and mechanical problems related to surgery. Therefore, dehiscence (wound separation) and wound infections are more common. A postoperative patient who is obese will not likely be at greater risk for hyperglycemia, azotemia, or falls.

The nurse admitting a patient who is insulin dependent to the same-day surgical suite for carpal tunnel surgery. How should this patients diagnosis of type 1 diabetes affect the care that the nurse plans? A) The nurse should administer a bolus of dextrose IV solution preoperatively. B) The nurse should keep the patient NPO for at least 8 hours preoperatively. C) The nurse should initiate a subcutaneous infusion of long-acting insulin. D) The nurse should assess the patients blood glucose levels vigilantly.

Ans: D Feedback: The patient with diabetes who is undergoing surgery is at risk for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Close glycemic monitoring is necessary. Dextrose infusion and prolonged NPO status are contraindicated. There is no specific need for an insulin infusion preoperatively.

The recovery room nurse is admitting a patient from the OR following the patients successful splenectomy. What is the first assessment that the nurse should perform on this newly admitted patient? A) Heart rate and rhythm B) Skin integrity C) Core body temperature D) Airway patency

Ans: D Feedback: The primary objective in the immediate postoperative period is to maintain ventilation and, thus, prevent hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Both can occur if the airway is obstructed and ventilation is reduced. This assessment is followed by cardiovascular status and the condition of the surgical site. The core temperature would be assessed after the airway, cardiovascular status, and wound (skin integrity).

The nursing instructor is talking with a group of medicalsurgical students about deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A student asks what factors contribute to the formation of a DVT. What would be the instructors best response? A) There is a genetic link in the formation of deep vein thrombi. B) Hypervolemia is often present in patients who go on to develop deep vein thrombi. C) No known factors contribute to the formation of deep vein thrombi; they just occur. D) Dehydration is a contributory factor to the formation of deep vein thrombi.

Ans: D Feedback: The stress response that is initiated by surgery inhibits the fibrinolytic system, resulting in blood hypercoagulability. Dehydration, low cardiac output, blood pooling in the extremities, and bedrest add to the risk of thrombosis formation. Hypervolemia is not a risk factor and there are no known genetic factors.

The nurse is admitting a patient to the medicalsurgical unit from the PACU. What should the nurse do to help the patient clear secretions and help prevent pneumonia? A) Encourage the patient to eat a balanced diet that is high in protein. B) Encourage the patient to limit his activity for the first 72 hours. C) Encourage the patient to take his medications as ordered. D) Encourage the patient to use the incentive spirometer every 2 hours.

Ans: D Feedback: To clear secretions and prevent pneumonia, the nurse encourages the patient to turn frequently, take deep breaths, cough, and use the incentive spirometer at least every 2 hours. These pulmonary exercises should begin as soon as the patient arrives on the clinical unit and continue until the patient is discharged. A balanced, high protein diet; visiting family in the waiting room; or taking medications as ordered would not help to clear secretions or prevent pneumonia.

An adult patient is in the recovery room following a nephrectomy performed for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The patients vital signs and level of consciousness stabilized, but the patient then complains of severe nausea and begins to retch. What should the nurse do next? A) Administer a dose of IV analgesic. B) Apply a cool cloth to the patients forehead. C) Offer the patient a small amount of ice chips. D) Turn the patient completely to one side.

Ans: D Feedback: Turning the patient completely to one side allows collected fluid to escape from the side of the mouth if the patient vomits. After turning the patient to the side, the nurse can offer a cool cloth to the patients forehead. Ice chips can increase feelings of nausea. An analgesic is not administered for nausea and vomiting.

A nurse administered midazolam IV bolus to a client before a procedure. His blood pressure is 86/40 mm Hg, and his pulse is 134/min. Which of the following IV medications should the nurse administer? A. Naloxone B. Morphine C. Flumazenil D. Atropine

C. Flumazenil Midazolam is a benzodiazepine. The nurse should administer flumazenil to reverse its effects.

A preoperative nurse is caring for a client who is having a colon resection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Encourage the client to void after preoperative medication administration. B. Administer antibiotics 2 hr prior to surgical incision. C. Remove hair using a manual razor. D. Remove nail polish on fingers and toes.

D. Remove nail polish on fingers and toes. The nurse should ensure the nail beds are visible for color and circulation by removing nail polish before surgery.

Who is the most likely person to administer blood products in an operating room? a. circulating nurse b. holding area nurse c. scrub nurse d. specialty nurse

a. circulating nurse