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An older client is hospitalized after an operation. When assessing the client for postoperative infection, the nursing physical activity on which assessment?
- A. Change in behavior
- B. Daily white blood cell count
- C. Presence of fever and chills
- D. Tolerance of increasing activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Older people have an age-related decrease in immune system functioning and may not show classic signs of infection such as increased white blood cell count, fever and chills, or obvious localized signs of infection. A change in behavior often signals an infection or onset of other illness in the older client.
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A client is on the phone when the nurse brings a preoperative antibiotic before scheduled surgery. The circulating nurse has requested the antibiotic be started. The client wants the nurse to wait before starting it. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Explain the rationale for giving the medicine now
- B. Leave the room and come back in 15 minutes
- C. Provide holistic client care and come back later
- D. Tell the client you must start the medication now
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The preoperative antibiotic must be given within 60 minutes of the surgical start time to ensure the proper amount is in the tissues when the incision is made. The nurse should explain the rationale to the client for this timing. The other options do not take this timing into consideration and do not give the client the information needed to be cooperative.
Splinting an incision is an intervention to accomplish what goal?
- A. Provide extra support during coughing
- B. Reduce the need for analgesia
- C. Prevent shallow breathing
- D. Explain that some pain is normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Splinting an incision provides extra support during coughing and activity and helps decrease pain. If the client is otherwise comfortable, no more analgesia is required. Shallow breathing can lead to atelectasis and pneumonia. The client should know some pain is normal and expected after surgery, but that answer alone does not provide any interventions to help the client.
A nurse is giving a client instructions for showering with special antimicrobial soap the night before surgery. What instruction is most appropriate?
- A. After you wash the surgical site, shave the area with your own razor
- B. Be sure to wash the area where you will have surgery very thoroughly
- C. Use a washcloth to wash the surgical sites, do not take a full shower or bath
- D. Wash the surgical site first, then shampoo and wash the rest of your body
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The proposed surgical site needs to be washed thoroughly and completely with the antimicrobial soap. Shaving, if absolutely necessary, should be done in the operative suite immediately before the operation begins, using sterile equipment. The client needs a full shower or bath (shower preferred). Washing the surgical site last ensures that soap does not run over the cleansed site if other areas are washed first.
A nurse works on the postoperative floor and has four clients who are being discharged tomorrow. Which one has the greatest need for the nurse to consult other members of the health care team for post-discharge care?
- A. Married young adult who is the primary caregiver for children
- B. Middle-aged client who is post long time replacement, needs physical therapy
- C. Older adult who lives at home despite some memory loss
- D. Young client who lives alone, has family and friends nearby
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The older adult has the most potentially complex discharge needs. With memory loss, the client may not be able to follow the prescribed home regimen. The client's physical abilities may be limited by chronic illness. This client has several safety needs that should be assessed. The other clients all have evidence of a support system and no known potential for serious safety issues.
A client in the preoperative holding room has received sedation and now needs to urinate. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Allow the client to walk to the bathroom
- B. Assist the client to the bathroom
- C. Give the client a bedpan or urinal to use
- D. Insert a urinary catheter now instead of waiting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although possibly uncomfortable or embarrassing for the client, the client should not be allowed out of bed after sedation due to safety concerns. Providing a bedpan or urinal is the safest option. The client may or may not need a urinary catheter, depending on the surgical procedure.