The circulating nurse and the scrub technician find a discrepancy in the sponge count. Which action should the circulating nurse take first?
- A. Notify the client's surgeon.
- B. Complete an occurrence report.
- C. Contact the surgical manager.
- D. Recount all sponges.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recounting sponges verifies the discrepancy, the first step to ensure no retained objects. Notification, reporting, or manager contact follow if confirmed.
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Which client assessment data are priority for the postanesthesia care nurse?
- A. Bowel sounds.
- B. Vital signs.
- C. IV fluid rate.
- D. Surgical site.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vital signs are the priority in PACU to monitor stability per ABCs. Bowel sounds, IV rate, and surgical site are secondary.
Which situation is an example of the nurse fulfilling the role of client advocate?
- A. The nurse brings the client pain medication when it is due.
- B. The nurse collaborates with other disciplines during the care conference.
- C. The nurse contacts the health-care provider when pain relief is not obtained.
- D. The nurse teaches the client to ask for medication before the pain gets to a '5.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contacting the HCP for inadequate pain relief advocates for the client’s comfort. Bringing medication, collaborating, and teaching are supportive but less advocacy-focused.
The client one (1) day postoperative develops an elevated temperature. Which intervention would have priority for the client?
- A. Encourage the client to deep breathe and cough every hour.
- B. Encourage the client to drink 200 mL of water every shift.
- C. Monitor the client's wound for drainage every eight (8) hours.
- D. Assess the urine output for color and clarity every four (4) hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fever post-surgery often stems from atelectasis; deep breathing and coughing prevent respiratory complications, the priority. Hydration, wound monitoring, and urine assessment are secondary.
The nurse must obtain surgical consent forms for the scheduled surgery. Which client would not be able to consent legally to surgery?
- A. The 65-year-old client who cannot read or write.
- B. The 30-year-old client who does not understand English.
- C. The 16-year-old client who has a fractured ankle.
- D. The 80-year-old client who is not oriented to the day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Legal consent requires mental competency; disorientation to the day suggests incapacity. Illiteracy, language barriers (with interpreters), and minors (with parental consent) do not preclude consent.
The nurse is completing a preoperative assessment on a male client who states, 'I am allergic to codeine.' Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Apply an allergy bracelet on the client's wrist.
- B. Label the client's allergies on the front of the chart.
- C. Ask the client what happens when he takes the codeine.
- D. Document the allergy on the medication administration record.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the reaction verifies the allergy type (e.g., anaphylaxis vs. nausea), guiding safe care. Bracelet, labeling, and documentation follow verification.