RN NCLEX Practice Test Related

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Following a gastric resection, a 70-year-old client is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit. He was extubated prior to leaving the suite. On arrival at the postanesthesia care unit, the nurse should:

  • A. Check airway, feeling for amount of air exchange noting rate, depth, and quality of respirations
  • B. Obtain pulse and blood pressure readings noting rate and quality of pulse
  • C. Reassure the client that his surgery is over and that he is in the recovery room
  • D. Review physician's orders, administering medications as ordered
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Adequate air exchange and tissue oxygenation depend on competent respiratory function. Checking the airway is the nurse's priority action. Obtaining the vital signs is an important action, but it is secondary to airway management. Reorienting a client to time, place, and person after surgery is important, but it is secondary to airway and vital signs. Airway management takes precedence over physician's orders unless they specifically relate to airway management.