Nokea
A client is experiencing pain after leg surgery but cannot yet have more pain medication. What comfort measures can the nurse provide? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Apply stimulation to the contralateral leg.
- B. Assess the client's willingness to try meditation.
- C. Elevate the client's operative leg and apply ice.
- D. Reduce the noise level in the client's environment.
- E. Turn the TV on loudly to distract the client.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Nonpharmacologic measures like contralateral stimulation, meditation, leg elevation with ice, and reducing environmental noise can help manage pain. Loud TV is not an effective diversion and may increase discomfort.
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A nurse answers a call light on the postoperative nursing unit. The client states there was a sudden gush of blood from the incision, and the nurse sees a blood spot on the sheet. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's blood pressure
- B. Perform hand hygiene and apply gloves
- C. Reinforce the dressing with a clean one
- D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before assessing or treating drainage from the wound, the nurse must perform hand hygiene and don gloves to protect both the client and nurse from infection, adhering to standard precautions.
A postoperative client is being discharged with a prescription for oxycodone hydrochloride with acetaminophen (Percocet). What instructions does the nurse give the client? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Check all over-the-counter medications for acetaminophen.
- B. Do not take more pills each day than you are prescribed.
- C. Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water.
- D. If this gives you diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium) can help.
- E. You shouldn't drive while you are taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Percocet contains acetaminophen, so the client must check other medications to avoid exceeding the 3000 mg daily limit. Adhering to the prescribed dose, maintaining a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and avoiding driving due to drowsiness are key instructions. Diarrhea is not a common side effect of opioids.
A postoperative client is being assessed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Which assessment takes priority?
- A. Airway patency
- B. Breathing pattern
- C. Circulation status
- D. Cardiac rhythm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the airway always takes priority, followed by breathing and circulation. Bleeding and cardiac rhythm are part of the circulation assessment, but airway patency is the most critical in the immediate postoperative period.
An older adult has been transferred to the postoperative inpatient unit after surgery. The family is concerned that the client is not waking up quickly and states 'She needs to get back to her old self.' What response by the nurse is best?
- A. Everyone comes out of surgery differently.
- B. Let's just give her some more time, okay?
- C. She may have had a stroke during surgery.
- D. Older people take longer to wake up.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Due to age-related changes, older adults may take longer to metabolize anesthetic agents and pain medications, leading to delayed recovery of cognitive status. The nurse should educate the family on this common occurrence. The other responses either lack specific information or suggest rare complications without evidence.
A client has arrived in the postoperative unit. What action by the circulating nurse takes priority?
- A. Assessing fluid and blood output
- B. Checking the surgical dressings
- C. Ensuring the client is warm
- D. Participating in hand-off report
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hand-offs are a critical time in client care, and poor communication during this time can lead to serious errors. The postoperative nurse and circulating nurse participate in hand-off report as the priority. Assessing fluid losses and dressings can be done together as part of the report. Ensuring the client is warm is a lower priority.