Preoperative orders for an adult client include pentobarbital. The nurse knows that this drug is administered primarily to:
- A. control secretions.
- B. control pain.
- C. promote sedation.
- D. provide anesthesia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pentobarbital, a barbiturate, is used preoperatively to promote sedation, calming the client before surgery.
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A 19-year-old unmarried college student is admitted unconscious following a car accident. He is hemorrhaging from severe internal injuries. Which statement is true concerning obtaining informed consent for treating him?
- A. Emergency care can be given because his injuries are life threatening.
- B. He can sign his own consent form because he is older than 18.
- C. Parental consent must be obtained before treatment is started.
- D. The hospital must obtain a court order before treating him.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In life-threatening emergencies, treatment can proceed without consent under implied consent, as the unconscious patient cannot provide consent and delay could be fatal.
The nurse is caring for a woman who just delivered a healthy baby. She received a saddle block anesthesia during delivery. She is admitted to the postpartum unit. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage her to ambulate as soon as sensation and motion have returned.
- B. Keep her flat and quiet for eight hours.
- C. Keep her NPO for four hours.
- D. Position her in a semi-sitting position as soon as she is alert.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saddle block (spinal) anesthesia requires the client to remain flat for 8 hours to prevent spinal headache due to cerebrospinal fluid loss.
A young man had an emergency appendectomy for a ruptured appendix. He is in the postanesthesia care unit. He has not yet awakened. An IV is running. A Penrose drain is in place. How should the nurse position this client?
- A. Semi-sitting position
- B. Supine with head turned to the side
- C. Prone with head and neck extended
- D. Right Sims' position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positioning supine with the head turned to the side prevents aspiration in an unconscious client, maintaining airway safety.
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