Nokea
Which laboratory result would require immediate intervention by the nurse for the client scheduled for surgery?
- A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL.
- B. Bleeding time two (2) minutes.
- C. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL.
- D. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (2.4 mEq/L, normal 3.5–5.0) risks arrhythmias during anesthesia, requiring immediate intervention. Normal calcium, bleeding time, and hemoglobin are safe.
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The PACU nurse administers Narcan, an opioid antagonist, to a postoperative client. Which client problem should the nurse include to the plan of care based on this medication?
- A. Alteration in comfort.
- B. Risk for depressed respiratory pattern.
- C. Potential for infection.
- D. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Narcan reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression, but risk persists, requiring monitoring. Comfort, infection, and fluid imbalance are unrelated to Narcan.
The 68-year-old client scheduled for intestinal surgery does not have clear fecal contents after three (3) tap water enemas. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the surgeon of the client's status.
- B. Continue giving enemas until clear.
- C. Increase the client's IV fluid rate.
- D. Obtain STAT serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Notifying the surgeon ensures guidance on proceeding, as unclear returns may indicate obstruction or inadequate prep, risking complications. More enemas, IV fluids, or electrolytes are secondary.
Which statement should the nurse identify as the expected outcome for a client experiencing acute pain?
- A. The client will have decreased use of medication.
- B. The client will participate in self-care activities.
- C. The client will use relaxation techniques.
- D. The client will repeat instructions about medications.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Participating in self-care indicates effective pain control, enabling function, the primary outcome. Medication reduction, relaxation, and instruction repetition are secondary.
The client in the surgical holding area tells the nurse 'I am so scared. I have never had surgery before.' Which statement would be the most appropriate response?
- A. Why are you afraid of the surgery?
- B. This is the best hospital in the city.
- C. Does having surgery make you afraid?
- D. There is no reason to be afraid.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s fear validates feelings, encouraging discussion. Asking 'why,' boasting about the hospital, or dismissing fear is less therapeutic.
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Check the permit for the spouse's signature.
- B. Take and document intake and output.
- C. Administer the 'on call' sedative.
- D. Complete the preoperative checklist.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The preoperative checklist ensures all safety measures (e.g., consent, NPO, allergies) are verified, the first step. Spouse signature, I&O, and sedatives follow checklist completion.