During a surgical procedure, the nurse notices a sudden decrease in the patient's oxygen saturation on the monitor. What immediate action should the nurse take?
- A. Inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist
- B. Increase the flow rate of oxygen
- C. Check the endotracheal tube placement
- D. Assess the patient's respiratory status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct immediate action is to inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist (Choice A) because a sudden decrease in oxygen saturation during surgery is a critical situation that requires prompt attention from the entire surgical team. The surgeon and anesthesiologist need to be made aware of the situation so that they can assess the patient's condition and make any necessary adjustments to the surgical procedure or anesthesia delivery. Increasing the flow rate of oxygen (Choice B) may help temporarily but does not address the underlying cause of the oxygen desaturation. Checking the endotracheal tube placement (Choice C) is important but may not be the immediate priority in this critical situation. Assessing the patient's respiratory status (Choice D) is important but should be done after informing the surgeon and anesthesiologist to ensure coordinated and timely interventions.
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During surgery, the nurse observes a sudden change in the patient's level of consciousness. What is the nurse's immediate action?
- A. Administer a reversal agent for anesthesia
- B. Document the change in the patient's chart
- C. Check the patient's vital signs
- D. Notify the anesthesia provider immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct immediate action for the nurse is to notify the anesthesia provider immediately (Option D). This is crucial because a sudden change in the patient's level of consciousness during surgery could indicate a serious issue related to anesthesia administration. Notifying the anesthesia provider promptly allows for quick assessment and intervention to address the underlying cause, potentially preventing complications or even saving the patient's life. Administering a reversal agent (Option A) without proper evaluation by the anesthesia provider could be dangerous. Documenting the change in the patient's chart (Option B) is important but not the most immediate action. Checking the patient's vital signs (Option C) is also important but may not provide immediate insight into the cause of the change in consciousness.
A patient with a history of asthma is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid. Which adverse effect is associated with long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids?
- A. Oral thrush
- B. Hypertension
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Osteoporosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Osteoporosis. Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids can interfere with calcium absorption and bone formation, resulting in bone weakening. Oral thrush (Choice A) is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids, but it is not associated with long-term use. Hypertension (Choice B) and hyperglycemia (Choice C) are more commonly seen with systemic corticosteroid use rather than inhaled corticosteroids.
A 20-year-old woman presents with sudden onset of severe lower abdominal pain and missed menstrual periods for the past two months. She has a positive urine pregnancy test. On transvaginal ultrasound, an empty uterus is visualized, and there is fluid in the cul-de-sac. Which condition is most likely to be responsible for these findings?
- A. Ovarian cyst rupture
- B. Ectopic pregnancy
- C. Septic abortion
- D. Ovarian torsion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ectopic pregnancy. In this scenario, the combination of missed periods, positive pregnancy test, and empty uterus on ultrasound with fluid in the cul-de-sac is highly suggestive of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube. The presence of fluid in the cul-de-sac indicates possible blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, causing the severe lower abdominal pain. Ovarian cyst rupture (A) typically presents with less severe pain. Septic abortion (C) would present with signs of infection and products of conception in the uterus. Ovarian torsion (D) would present with acute onset of unilateral lower abdominal pain and a palpable adnexal mass, not fluid in the cul-de-sac.
A woman in active labor is experiencing precipitous labor with rapid cervical dilation and descent of the fetal presenting part. What maternal complication should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Postpartum hemorrhage
- B. Uterine atony
- C. Shoulder dystocia
- D. Placental abruption
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Precipitous labor is characterized by rapid cervical dilation and descent of the fetal presenting part, leading to a shortened labor duration of less than 3 hours. This rapid progression can increase the risk of maternal complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as excessive bleeding of more than 500 ml after vaginal delivery or more than 1000 ml after cesarean delivery. The rapid delivery in precipitous labor can result in inadequate uterine contractions after delivery, leading to poor uterine tone and potential postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate postpartum hemorrhage as a potential maternal complication in a woman experiencing precipitous labor.
The nurse assesses the uterine fundus of the mother. Which part of the abdomen will the nurse begin?
- A. Symphysis pubis
- B. Midline
- C. Umbilicus
- D. Sides of the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Umbilicus. The nurse begins assessing the uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus as it is a standard reference point for postpartum fundal height measurement. This location allows for consistency and accuracy in tracking the descent of the uterus back into the pelvic cavity. Starting at the umbilicus also helps in monitoring the involution process and prevents potential errors in fundal height assessment.
Symphysis pubis (A) is too low and not typically used as a reference point for uterine fundal assessment. Midline (B) is vague and does not provide a specific anatomical landmark. Sides of the abdomen (D) do not give a standardized starting point for measuring the uterine fundus, leading to potential variability in assessment.