Question 1

While monitoring a patient who had surgery under general anesthesia 2 hours ago, the nurse notes a sudden elevation in body temperature. This finding may be an indication of which problem?

Accepted Answer

A sudden elevation in body temperature during the postoperative period may indicate the occurrence of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening emergency. The elevated temperature does not reflect the other problems listed.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to administer dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to a patient. Which is an appropriate indication for dexmedetomidine?

Accepted Answer

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) is used for procedural sedation and for surgeries of short duration, and it is also used in the intensive care setting for sedation of mechanically ventilated patients. The other options are incorrect.

Question 3

The nurse is reviewing the effects of inhaled and intravenous general anesthesia, which includes which of these?

Accepted Answer

Effects of inhaled and intravenous general anesthesia include increased intracranial pressure, CNS depression, hypotension, decreased hepatic clearance, and other effects listed . Glomerular filtration is decreased, not increased.

Question 4

During the immediate postoperative period, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse is assessing a patient who had hip surgery. The patient is experiencing tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle rigidity, and his temperature is 103° F (39.4° C). The nurse will prepare for what immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, tachypnea, muscle rigidity, and raised temperature are symptoms of malignant hyperthermia, which is treated with cardiorespiratory supportive care as needed to stabilize heart and lung function as well as with immediate treatment with the skeletal muscle relaxant dantrolene. CPR is not immediately needed because the patient still has a pulse and respirations. Naltrexone hydrochloride and anticholinesterase drugs are not appropriate in this situation.

Question 5

A patient is being prepared for an oral endoscopy, and the nurse anesthetist reminds him that he will be awake during the procedure but probably will not remember it. What type of anesthetic technique is used in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Moderate sedation effectively reduces patient anxiety, sensitivity to pain, and recall of the medical procedure, yet it preserves a patient's ability to maintain his or her own airway and respond to verbal commands. The other options are incorrect.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient who is on a ventilator for respiratory arrest. Which parenteral anesthetic is also used for sedation during mechanical ventilation in ICU settings?

Accepted Answer

Propofol is parenteral general anesthetic used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia and also for sedation during mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Ketamine is used for both general anesthesia and moderate sedation. Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for moderate sedation; sevoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic.

Question 7

When assessing patients in the preoperative area, the nurse knows that which patient is at a higher risk for an altered response to anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

The elderly patient is more affected by anesthesia than the young or middle-aged adult patient because of the effects of aging on the hepatic, cardiac, respiratory, and renal systems.

Question 8

When administering a neuromuscular blocking drug, the nurse needs to remember which principle?

Accepted Answer

Patients receiving neuromuscular blocking drugs require artificial mechanical ventilation because of the resultant paralysis of the respiratory muscles. In addition, they do not cause sedation or pain relief. They are used along with, not instead of, general anesthesia during surgery.

Question 9

During a fishing trip, a patient pierced his finger with a large fishhook. He is now in the emergency department to have it removed. The nurse anticipates that which type of anesthesia will be used for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Infiltration anesthesia is commonly used for minor surgical procedures. It involves injecting the local anesthetic solution intradermally, subcutaneously, or submucosally across the path of nerves supplying the area to be anesthetized. The local anesthetic may be administered in a circular pattern around the operative field. The other types are not appropriate for this injury. This is a painful procedure; therefore, the option of "no anesthesia" is incorrect.

Question 10

A patient is to receive midazolam (Versed) 2 mg IV push over 2 minutes just before an endoscopy procedure. The medication is available in a strength of 1 mg/mL. Identify how many milliliters of medication will the nurse draw up into the syringe for this dose. _______

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is to receive midazolam (Versed)...

Quiz 11: General and Local Anesthetics