Nokea
The PACU nurse is receiving the client from the OR. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the client's breath sounds.
- B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula.
- C. Take the client's blood pressure.
- D. Monitor the pulse oximeter reading.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing breath sounds ensures airway patency and ventilation, the priority post-OR per ABCs. Oxygen, BP, and pulse oximetry follow airway assessment.
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The circulating nurse notes a discrepancy in the needle count. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Inform the other members of the surgical team about the problem.
- B. Assume the original count was wrong and change the record.
- C. Call the radiology department to perform a portable x-ray.
- D. Complete an occurrence report and notify the risk manager.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing the team prompts a recount and investigation, the first step to prevent retained needles. Assuming errors, ordering x-rays, or reporting are premature.
Which activities are the circulating nurse's responsibilities in the operating room?
- A. Monitor the position of the client, prepare the surgical site, and ensure the client's safety.
- B. Give preoperative medication in the holding area and monitor the client's response to anesthesia.
- C. Prepare sutures; set up the sterile field; and count all needles, sponges, and instruments.
- D. Prepare the medications to be administered by the anesthesiologist and change the tubing for the anesthesia machine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The circulating nurse monitors positioning, preps the site, and ensures safety, maintaining a non-sterile role. Medications, sterile field setup, and anesthesia tubing are other roles.
The nurse is caring for a male client scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises.
- B. Discuss how to cough and deep breathe effectively.
- C. Tell the client he can have a meal in the PACU.
- D. Teach ways to manage postoperative pain.
- E. Discuss events which occur in the postanesthesia care unit.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Coughing/deep breathing prevents atelectasis, pain management enhances recovery, and PACU education reduces anxiety. Passive ROM is postoperative, and meals are not allowed in PACU.
Which statement would be an expected outcome for the postoperative client who had general anesthesia?
- A. The client will be able to sit in the chair for 30 minutes.
- B. The client will have a pulse oximetry reading of 97% on room air.
- C. The client will have a urine output of 30 mL per hour.
- D. The client will be able to distinguish sharp from dull sensations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulse oximetry of 97% on room air indicates adequate oxygenation post-general anesthesia, a key outcome. Sitting, urine output, and sensation are secondary or unrelated.
The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis 'risk for injury related to positioning' for the client in the operating room. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Avoid using the cautery unit which does not have a biomedical tag on it.
- B. Carefully pad the client's elbows before covering the client with a blanket.
- C. Apply a warming pad on the OR table before placing the client on the table.
- D. Check the chart for any prescription or over-the-counter medication use.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Padding elbows prevents pressure injuries during positioning, addressing the diagnosis. Cautery, warming pads, and medication checks are unrelated to positioning.