Question 1

A patient being prepared for surgery has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which diagnostic test should the nurse expect to be completed prior to this patient's surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are likely to have compromised lung function, making it important to determine their baseline pulmonary function prior to surgery. Pulmonary function tests can assess lung capacity, oxygenation, and airway resistance to help identify any potential complications that may arise during surgery. CT scans of the brain, lumbar punctures, and abdominal MRIs are not typically relevant diagnostic tests for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prior to surgery.

Question 2

The nurse suspects that a patient recovering from surgery in the postanesthesia recovery unit (PACU) is developing malignant hyperthermia. Place these interventions in the order in which they should be performed. 
A) Administer oxygen with a nonrebreather mask. 
B) Check IV access. 
C) Notify the anesthesia provider. 
D) Administer Dantrolene.
E) non of the above.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse suspects that a patient recovering...

Question 3

A patient who has reacted poorly to general anesthesia in the past is scheduled for surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear. For which types of anesthesia should the nurse prepare educational materials for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who has reacted poorly to...

Question 4

While completing item number 4 in the preoperative preparation section of the form provided below, the nurse notes that the patient depends on a hearing aid. What action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should leave the hearing aid device in the patient's ear and notify the OR nurse of its presence. This is important because the patient relies on the device for improved hearing and may have difficulty communicating without it. The OR nurse can address any necessary precautions or adjustments to ensure the safety of the patient and the device during surgery.

Question 5

While the nurse is assisting a patient recovering from epidural anesthesia to ambulate, the patient becomes dizzy and has a blood pressure of 78/48 mmHg. What actions should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

The answer of While the nurse is assisting a patient...

Question 6

The nurse is changing the abdominal surgical dressing of an older patient who has developed pneumonia and a cough. Upon removing the dressing, the nurse notes the situation as pictured below. What should be the nurse's intervention?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is changing the abdominal surgical...

Question 7

A older patient recovering from total hip replacement surgery 8 hours ago has not been able to void spontaneously. Which actions should the nurse take to assist this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A older patient recovering from total hip...

Question 8

The patient who had an emergency abdominal surgery looks at his incision on the first postoperative day and says, "I sure hope this doesn't leave much of a scar. Is there some type of medicine or ointment I can put on it?" What should the nurse consider prior to responding to that comment?

Accepted Answer

The incision in question was an emergency surgery, which typically means the incision was done as clean as possible. This incision will heal by primary intention, which means the incision's edges will seal together, and little to no granulation tissue will form. This will lead to less scarring, and the scar will likely be a hairline. There is no need for medication or ointment.

Question 9

The nurse is changing the surgical dressing on an older patient's abdomen and sees the item pictured in the diagram below. How should the nurse care for this device?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is changing the surgical dressing...

Question 10

The nurse is reviewing the patient's current medications as a part of preparation for an elective surgery. What information should the nurse reinforce with the patient?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is a blood thinner and can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to stop taking aspirin at least three days prior to surgery. The patient should not make any changes to their medication regimen without consulting their healthcare provider. It is important to continue taking prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider. Herbal supplements can interact with anesthesia and should be avoided unless approved by the healthcare provider. Discontinuing antihypertensive medications could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Question 11

The nurse is preparing to teach an older patient scheduled for surgery on performing diaphragmatic breathing. Place the steps of this breathing technique in the order in which the nurse should teach the patient. 
A) Sit up straight in bed.
B) Place your hands lightly on your abdomen. 
C) Breathe in deeply through your nose. 
D) Hold your breath for five seconds. 
E) Completely exhale through pursed lips.
F) non of the above.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is preparing to teach an...

Question 12

The nurse determines that a patient recovering from spinal anesthesia is experiencing complications from the anesthesia. Which actions should the nurse expect to be provided to this patient?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

The intraoperative nurse is caring for a patient in the maintenance phase of anesthesia. Which actions should the nurse prepare to provide to the patient at this time?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

A patient is scheduled to have a hernia repair done today on an outpatient basis. The patient's sibling angrily says, "When I had this done 20 years ago, they kept me in the hospital nearly a week. Why can't my brother stay here where someone can take care of him?" What are appropriate responses by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Advancements in medical procedures and post-operative care have made it possible for patients to recover at home, where they are less likely to be exposed to hospital-acquired infections (A) and can recuperate in the comfort of their own environment (B), which often promotes a better and more comfortable recovery.

Question 15

Which patient information is essential for the nurse to provide the physician who is preparing to administer conscious sedation to a patient?

Accepted Answer

The patient's history of snoring and recent caffeine intake are essential information for the physician to know before administering conscious sedation. Snoring can indicate a potential airway obstruction, and caffeine can increase the risk of anxiety and agitation during the procedure.

Quiz 4: Nursing Care of Patients Having Surgery