MED SURGE EAQs CH17

Which postoperative complication is associated with a patient history of smoking?

Pulmonary complication

The nurse includes which general information in the postoperative patient's discharge plan? Select all that apply.

- Wound care by the patient - Taking prescribed drugs as directed - Community services available, if needed - Following special diet and fluid intake orders

The nurse is teaching a patient who is about to undergo surgery about the surgical process. The nurse emphasizes that the patient can expect which issues or activities while in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)? Select all that apply.

- You will be asked to deep breathe, cough, turn, and exercise your legs. - You may have some special tubes, dressings, or other equipment in place. - Depending on your surgery, you could be asked to respond to various commands. - Nurses will check your pulse and blood pressure often and perform other procedures as needed.

The nurse knows that all herbal medications need to be discontinued within which time frame before surgery?

1 to 2 weeks

How long may it take for complete healing of a surgical wound to occur in a healthy individual?

12 months

How many hours of fasting would be recommended before elective cholecystectomy if the patient has had a heavy meal?

8

The nurse observes a drain creating suction to collect fluid from the wound and knows that this is which type of drain?

Active drain

Which treatment is appropriate for a postspinal headache?

Advise the patient to lie flat on the bed.

Which action does furosemide have on a patient with heart failure?

Balances fluid overload

Which describes the action of chlorpromazine?

Causes blurring of vision

Which clinical manifestation indicates malignant hyperthermia?

Decreased blood pressure

Which complication has occurred when the nurse notices a surgical wound has reopened?

Dehiscence

When emptying a patient's Jackson-Pratt drain, the nurse notices that the patient's wound drained 30 mL of straw-colored and clear fluid. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Document the finding.

During assessment on the third postoperative day, the nurse notices a small loop of small intestine coming out of a surgical wound and onto the abdomen in a patient. Which term describes this condition?

Evisceration

What kind of surgery involves the surgeon making a small incision on the abdomen and looking into it through the laparoscope to find the cause for abdominal pain?

Exploratory

Which action is the priority before surgery when a patient states she has been taking a daily diuretic?

Have a serum potassium level drawn.

The nurse knows that explaining the surgical procedure and risks to the patient is the responsibility of which member of the health care team?

Health care provider

Which medication is prescribed to treat a pulmonary embolism?

Heparin

The nurse would advise a patient to stop taking ginger before surgery because of which effect?

Increased risk for bleeding

The passing of flatus after surgery is important for which reason?

It shows the digestive tract is beginning to function.

Assessment during a surgical procedure reveals that the patient has increasing body temperature, tachycardia, hypotension, cyanosis, and muscle rigidity. This patient may be experiencing which complication of general anesthesia?

Malignant hyperthermia

Which drug is useful for relieving pain in postoperative patients?

Opioid

The nurse knows the causative factors of postsurgical nausea and vomiting include which factors?

Pain, decreased peristalsis, anesthesia, and resuming oral intake too soon

Which outcome is appropriate for a preoperative patient experiencing anxiety?

Patient verbalizes relief.

A patient has voided 120 mL since returning from surgery 12 hours ago. Which action would the nurse perform next when assessment reveals absent bladder distention?

Perform a bladder scan.

Which medication taken by a preoperative patient has the potential to produce unwanted effects when combined with garlic?

Warfarin sodium

Which term describes the use of local anesthetics to block pain impulses in a specific area?

Regional anesthesia

Which term describes light pink wound drainage?

Serosanguineous

Patients are at risk for which major surgical complications in the early postoperative period? Select all that apply.

Shock Injury Atelectasis Bleeding

Which important instruction should the nurse teach a postoperative patient to improve gas exchange?

Splint the abdominal incision with a pillow.

The nurse anticipates that the patient's history of alcohol abuse will affect anesthesia in which way?

The patient will require more general anesthesia.

When is the most important time for the nurse to initiate discharge teaching for a surgical patient?

Upon admission