Surgery final exam quiz

Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement to decrease the client's risk for injury during the intraoperative period?

Assess the client for allergies. Explanation: The nurse must be aware of the client's allergies to prevent exposure to the client.

A PACU nurse is caring for a postoperative client who received general anesthesia and has a hard, plastic oral airway in place. The patient has clear lung sounds, even and unlabored respirations of 16, and 98% oxygen saturation. The client is minimally responsive to painful stimuli. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Continue with frequent client assessments. explanation: An immediate postoperative client may be transferred to the PACU with a hard, plastic oral airway in place. The airway should not be removed until the client shows signs of gagging or choking. The neurological status is appropriate for a client who received general anesthesia, and the nurse should continue with frequent client assessments. . None of the information provided requires the client to have vital signs measured more frequently than the standard 15 minutes.

The nurse is assigned a client scheduled for an outpatient colonoscopy in an ambulatory care setting. During which phase of perioperative care would the nurse document the admission vital signs in the recovery room?

During the postoperative phase

The nurse observes bloody drainage on the surgical dressing of the client who has just arrived on the nursing unit. Which intervention should the nurse plan to do next?

Outline the drainage with a pen and record the date and time next to the drainage. Explanation: Areas of drainage on the dressing should be outlined with a pen, and the date and time should be recorded next to the drainage. Blood drainage from the incision is a normal expected finding in the immediate postoperative period; however, excessive amounts should be reported to the surgeon.

The nurse is discharging a client home from an outpatient surgery center. The nurse has reviewed all of the discharge instructions with the client and her caregiver. What else should the nurse do before discharging the client from the facility? Select all that apply.

Provide all discharge instructions in writing. Provide the nurse's or surgeon's contact information. Give prescriptions to the client. Explanation: Before discharging the client, the nurse provides written instructions, prescriptions and the nurse's or surgeon's telephone number. Administration of an opioid would necessitate further monitoring to ensure safety. A dressing change would not normally be ordered on the day of surgery.

The nurse is assessing the postoperative client on the second postoperative day. Which assessment finding requires immediate physician notification?

The client has an absence of bowel sounds. Explanation: A nursing assessment finding of concern on the second postoperative day is the absence of bowel sounds, which may indicate a paralytic ileus. Other assessment findings may include abdominal pain and distention as fluids, solids, and gas do not move through the intestinal tract. Rales in the bases are a frequent finding postoperatively, especially if general anesthesia was administered. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe. Pain is a common symptom following a surgical procedure. Serous drainage on the postoperative dressing needs to monitored and brought to the physician's attention when he or she assesses the client.

What complication is the nurse aware of that is associated with deep venous thrombosis?

pulmonary embolism

The nurse is admitting a client who is to undergo an open reduction with internal fixation for a fractured femur. About which comment by the client should the nurse be most concerned?

"I was worried I would have an incision and scar." Explanation: An open reduction involves a surgical dissection for the visualization of the bone ends and fragments. A metal plate and screws are used to correct and stabilize the fracture through internal fixation.

What is the priority action when the circulating nurse is completing a second verification of the surgical procedure and surgical site?

Obtain the attention of all members of the surgical team. Explanation: The second verification of the surgical procedure and surgical site should be done at one time and include all members of the surgical team. The marked surgical site is confirmed with all members of the surgical team, not just the surgeon or client. Complications, allergies, and anticipated problems are also discussed among the entire surgical team.

The nurse in the preoperative area has just medicated her client according to the anesthesiologist's orders. What is the nurse's priority action at this time?

Place the side rails in the up position and make sure the call button is in reach. explanation: immediately after giving the medications, the nurse instructs the client to remain in bed; he or she places side rails in the up position and ensures that the call button is within easy reach. Once the client has been preoperatively medicated you do not get them up to the bathroom. The nurses' immediate responsibility after preoperatively medicating the client is not to take the clients' vital signs or to send the family to the waiting room.

A postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is preparing to discharge a client home following ankle surgery. The client keeps staring at the ceiling while being given discharge instructions. What action by the nurse is appropriate?

Review the instructions with the client and an accompanying adult.

A nurse is caring for a client who underwent a skin biopsy and has three stitches in place. This wound is healing by:

first intention explanation: Wounds with a small amount of tissue damage that are the result of procedures that use sterile technique and that are properly closed, such as with stitches, heal by first intention. Granulation tissue is generally not visible and scar formation is minimal. Second intention healing occurs in infected wounds or wounds with edges that aren't approximated. These wounds are usually packed with moist dressings. Third intention healing occurs with deep wounds that aren't sutured together, resulting in a deep, wide scar. There is no fourth intention of wound healing.

A client is being prepared for a same-day surgical procedure and is discussing with the nurse what potential ramifications this type of surgery has. Which of the following would the nurse correctly identify? Select all that apply.

-The client will leave the hospital sooner than in the past. - Need for teaching is increased. -The client must be prepared to take on more self-care than he or she may have done in the past. explanation: The increasing use of ambulatory, same-day, or short-stay surgery, means that clients leave the hospital sooner, which increases the need for teaching, discharge planning, preparation for self-care, and referral for home care and rehabilitation services.

When the nurse observes that a postoperative client demonstrates a constant low level of oxygen saturation via the O₂ saturation monitor despite the client's breathing appearing normal, what action should the nurse take first?

Assess the client's heart rhythm and nail beds. Explanation: A client may demonstrate low oxygenation readings because of certain colors of nail polish or may show an irregular heart rate such as atrial fibrillation. These factors should be assessed to ensure the accuracy of the oxygen reading. Once the reading is confirmed as accurate, then the nurse may need to apply oxygen, notify the physician, and document the findings.

The nurse is teaching the client about patient-controlled analgesia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?

Therapeutic drug levels can be maintained more evenly with patient-controlled analgesia. Explanation: Advantages of patient-controlled analgesia include participation of the client in care, elimination of delayed administration of analgesics, and maintenance of therapeutic drug levels. The client must have the cognitive and physical abilities to self-dose.

The nurse is preparing to change a client's abdominal dressing. The nurse recognizes the first step is to provide the client with information regarding the procedure. Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide to the client?

"During the dressing change, I will provide privacy at a time of your choosing, it should not be painful, and you can look at the incision and help with the procedure if you want to." Explanation: When having dressings changed, the client needs to be informed that the dressing change is a simple procedure with little discomfort; privacy will be provided; and the client is free to look at the incision or even assist in the dressing change itself. If the client decides to look at the incision, assurance is given that the incision will shrink as it heals and that the redness will likely fade. Dressing changes should not be painful, but giving pain medication prior to the procedure is always a good preventive measure. Telling the client that the dressing change "should not be painful, but you can never be sure, and infection is always a concern" does not offer the client any real information or options and serves only to create fear. The best time for dressing changes is when it is most convenient for the client; nutrition is important so interrupting lunch is probably a poor choice.

The nurse is working in the preoperative area with a client going to surgery for a cholecystectomy. The client has histamine2-receptor antagonists ordered preoperatively. The client asks the nurse why these medications are needed. What would be the nurse's best answer?

"These medications decrease gastric acidity and volume." Explanation: The anesthesiologist frequently orders preoperative medications. Common preoperative medications include the following: anticholinergics, which decrease respiratory tract secretions, dry mucous membranes, and interrupt vagal stimulation; anti anxiety drugs, which reduce preoperative anxiety, slow motor activity, and promote induction of anesthesia; histamine2-receptor antagonists, which decrease gastric acidity and volume; narcotics, which decrease the amount of anesthesia needed, help reduce anxiety and pain, and promote sleep; sedatives, which promote sleep, decrease anxiety, and reduce the amount of anesthesia needed; and tranquilizers, which reduce nausea, prevent emesis, and enhance preoperative sedation.

What measurement should the nurse report to the physician in the immediate postoperative period?

A systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mm Hg Explanation: A systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg is usually considered immediately reportable. However, the patient's preoperative or baseline blood pressure is used to make informed postoperative comparisons. A previously stable blood pressure that shows a downward trend of 5 mm Hg at each 15-minute reading should also be reported. The other findings are normal or close to normal.

The nurse is concerned that a postoperative patient may have a paralytic ileus. What assessment data may indicate that the patient does have a paralytic ileus?

Absence of peristalsis Explanation: Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction are potential postoperative complications that occur more frequently in patients undergoing intestinal or abdominal surgery. Manipulation of the abdominal organs during surgery may produce a loss of normal peristalsis for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type and extent of surgery.

The intraoperative nurse is transferring a client from the OR to the PACU after replacement of the right knee. The client is an 83-year-old woman. The nurse should prioritize which of the following actions?

Keeping the client warm Explanation: Special attention is given to keeping the client warm because elderly clients 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 client is never sterile and restraints are very rarely necessary.

During the preoperative assessment, the client mentions allergies to avocados, bananas, and hydrocodone. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Notify the surgical team to remove all latex-based items. explanation: Allergies to avocados and bananas may indicate an allergy to latex. Although it is necessary to notify the dietary department and physician, it is not an immediate threat, as the patient is receiving nothing by mouth and pain medication will be ordered postoperatively. The nurse manager does not need to be notified of the client's allergies.

A client is administered succinylcholine and propofol for induction of anesthesia. One hour after administration, the client demonstrates muscle rigidity with a heart rate of 180. What should the nurse do first?

Notify the surgical team. Explanation: Tachycardia and muscle rigidity are often the earliest signs of malignant hyperthermia. Early recognition of malignant hyperthermia increases survival. The nurse would document the findings, and administer dantrolene sodium, obtain cooling blankets as part of the treatment for malignant hyperthermia, but the nurse would need to ensure the surgical team is aware of the findings first.

The nurse knows that elderly clients are at higher risk for complications and adverse outcomes during the intraoperative period. What is the best rationale for this phenomenon?

Reduced ability to adjust rapidly to emotional and physical stress Explanation: Factors that affect the elderly surgical client 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.

An unconscious patient with normal pulse and respirations would be considered to be in what stage of general anesthesia?

Surgical anesthesia

The perioperative nurse is constantly assessing the surgical client for signs and symptoms of complications of surgery. Which symptom should first signal to the nurse the possibility that the client is developing malignant hyperthermia?

Tachycardia Explanation: 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 caring for an unconscious trauma victim who needs emergency surgery. The client is a 55-year-old man with an adult son. He is legally divorced and is planning to be remarried in a few weeks. His parents are at the hospital with the other family members. The physician has explained the need for surgery, the procedure to be done, and the risks to the children, the parents, and the fiancé. Who should be asked to sign the surgery consent form?

The Son explanation: The client personally signs the consent if of legal age and mentally capable. Permission is otherwise obtained from a surrogate, who most often is a responsible family member (preferably next of kin) or legal guardian. In this instance, the child would be the appropriate person to ask to sign the consent form as he is the closest relative at the hospital. The fiancé is not legally related to him as the marriage has not yet taken place. The father would only be asked to sign the consent if no children were present to sign. The physician would not sign if family members were available.

The nurse is performing a preadmission assessment of a client scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy. The nurse should be aware of what purpose of the preadmission assessment

Verifies completion of preoperative diagnostic testing explanation: Purposes of preadmission testing (PAT) include verifying completion of preoperative diagnostic testing. The nurse's role in PAT does not normally involve financial considerations or addressing transportation. The physician determines the client's suitability for surgery.

The perioperative nurse has a number of major responsibilities when a patient is admitted to a surgical unit or center. Which of the following is the most important function?

Verifies that operative consent is signed

The nurse is physically preparing a client for surgery. What area does the nurse know needs to be addressed before the client is taken to the operating room?

elimination explanation: When physically preparing a client for surgery these areas need to be addressed: skin preparation; elimination; attire/grooming; prosthesis; foods and fluids; and care of valuables. The physical preparation of a client for surgery does not include the areas of medication, activity, or the client's support system.

The nurse is caring for a client needing emergency surgery. Which preoperative teaching is least important to prepare the client for surgery?

post-charge diet explanation: The least helpful postoperative teaching that could be omitted due to the need to obtain emergency surgery is explaining the post-discharge diet. This is not essential information to improve client participation in their postoperative recovery. Coughing and deep breathing is essential in the immediate postoperative period. Clients are often concerned about postoperative pain so instruction on pain medication can decrease anxiety. Knowledge of the surgical procedure must be explained by a physician when signing a surgical consent.