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A nurse is planning caring for a patient who had thoracic surgery. Which nursing interventions are most appropriate for patients undergoing this type of surgery?
- A. Observing for incisional wound healing
- B. Monitoring vital signs, especially pulse and blood pressure
- C. Instructing the patient on the proper use of the incentive spirometer
- D. Applying antiembolism stockings
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: A thoracic incision, near or overlying the lungs, makes it difficult or painful for patients to take deep breaths and cough. The nurse uses analgesics, repositioning, coughing and deep breathing, and an incentive spirometer to promote respiratory expansion and airway clearance to decrease the risk for respiratory complications. Monitoring vital signs is also critical to detect complications early.
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A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has been on bedrest for 5 days. What interventions will the nurse use to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? Select all that apply.
- A. Administering analgesics
- B. Documenting daily calf circumference
- C. Assessing vital signs every 4 hours
- D. Encouraging ambulation
- E. Applying intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs)
- F. Providing education on pain management
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: To prevent DVT, the nurse plans to apply an IPCD and antiembolism stockings. Assessments such as vital signs and calf circumference will detect but not prevent DVT. Maintaining bedrest continues to promote risk, and early ambulation helps prevent DVT.
The nurse documents attainment of expected outcomes in the preoperative phase as part of the perioperative plan of care. Which outcomes were met for Gabrielle? Select all that apply.
- A. Correct return demonstration of postoperative activities designed to prevent complications
- B. Physical and emotional readiness for operative procedure; appropriate for age
- C. Decreased risk for surgical site, catheter-based, and community-acquired infections
- D. Caregiver articulation of when to call the provider for follow-up and/or intervention
- E. Pulse oximetry >98% on room air
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Gabrielle's nervous but smiling response indicates physical and emotional readiness (B). The scenario implies her mother was engaged in discussions about postoperative care, suggesting caregiver articulation of follow-up needs (D). Pulse oximetry >98% on room air (E) is a standard preoperative outcome, assumed met given no contrary indications.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is obese and has had abdominal surgery. The nurse prioritizes a plan to prevent what postoperative complication?
- A. Anesthetic interactions
- B. Impaired wound healing
- C. Weight gain
- D. Flatulence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adipose (fatty) tissue has poor blood supply, which places the obese patient at risk for delayed wound healing, wound infection, and disruption in the integrity of the wound. Medication interactions are not the primary concern and are managed by the nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist. Postoperative bleeding and flatulence (gas) after anesthesia are concerns for all patients, not just those with obesity.
Which solution is reasonable and safe for this transition of care?
- A. Gabrielle's mom will be given time alone with Gabrielle in the preoperative room to provide comfort to Gabrielle
- B. Gabrielle's mom will accompany Gabrielle to the surgical suite and remain with Gabrielle until the inhaled anesthesia takes effect
- C. Gabrielle's mom will be at the preoperative bedside while the nurse initiates IV therapy and administers an IV sedative
- D. Gabrielle's mom will administer an oral sedative to Gabrielle under the supervision of the nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allowing Gabrielle's mother to accompany her to the surgical suite until anesthesia takes effect is a safe and reasonable solution. It provides comfort and reduces anxiety during the transition, while ensuring clinical safety under controlled conditions.
A nurse is providing teaching for a patient scheduled to have same-day surgery. Which teaching method would be most effective in preoperative teaching for ambulatory surgery?
- A. Lecture
- B. Discussion
- C. Audiovisuals
- D. Written instructions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Written instructions are most effective in providing information for same-day surgery.