The 26-year-old male client in the PACU has a heart rate of 110 and a rising temperature and complains of muscle stiffness. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Give a back rub to the client to relieve stiffness.
- B. Apply ice packs to the axillary and groin areas.
- C. Prepare an ice slush for the client to drink.
- D. Prepare to administer dantrolene, a smooth-muscle relaxant.
- E. Reposition the client on a warming blanket.
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: Tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle stiffness suggest malignant hyperthermia; ice packs cool the body, and dantrolene reverses the condition. Back rubs, ice slush, and warming blankets are inappropriate.
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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.
The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist on a client going to surgery. Which information should the nurse report to the surgeon?
- A. The client understands the purpose of the surgery.
- B. The client stopped taking aspirin three (3) weeks ago.
- C. The client uses the oral supplements licorice and garlic.
- D. The client has mild levels of preoperative anxiety.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Licorice and garlic may increase bleeding risk or interact with anesthesia, requiring surgeon notification. Understanding, aspirin cessation, and mild anxiety are expected or safe.
The nurse and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for clients on a surgery unit. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate to the UAP?
- A. Explain to the client how to cough and deep breathe.
- B. Discuss preoperative plans with the client and family.
- C. Determine the ability of the caregivers to provide postoperative care.
- D. Assist the client to take a povidone-iodine (Betadine) shower.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assisting with a Betadine shower is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Teaching, discussing plans, and assessing caregivers require nursing judgment.
The client diagnosed with appendicitis has undergone an appendectomy. At two (2) hours postoperative, the nurse takes the vital signs and notes T 102.6°F, P 132, R 26, and BP 92/46. Which interventions should the nurse implement? List in order of priority.
- A. Increase the IV rate.
- B. Notify the health-care provider.
- C. Elevate the foot of the bed.
- D. Check the abdominal dressing.
- E. Determine if the IV antibiotics have been administered.
Correct Answer: C,A,B,D,E
Rationale: 1) Elevate foot of bed (Trendelenburg for hypotension); 2) Notify HCP (fever, tachycardia, hypotension suggest sepsis); 3) Increase IV rate (bolus for hypovolemia); 4) Check dressing (assess bleeding); 5) Confirm antibiotics (treat infection).
The nurse requests the client to sign a surgical informed consent form for an emergency appendectomy. Which statement by the client indicates further teaching is needed?
- A. I will be glad when this is over so I can go home today.
- B. I will not be able to eat or drink anything prior to my surgery.
- C. I can practice relaxing by listening to my favorite music.
- D. I will need to get up and walk as soon as possible.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emergency appendectomy requires postoperative recovery, typically 1–2 days in hospital, so expecting to go home today indicates misunderstanding. NPO status, relaxation, and early ambulation are correct.