The circulating nurse and the scrub technician find a discrepancy in the sponge count. Which action should the circulating nurse take first?
- A. Notify the client's surgeon.
- B. Complete an occurrence report.
- C. Contact the surgical manager.
- D. Recount all sponges.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recounting sponges verifies the discrepancy, the first step to ensure no retained objects. Notification, reporting, or manager contact follow if confirmed.
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Which situation is an example of the nurse fulfilling the role of client advocate?
- A. The nurse brings the client pain medication when it is due.
- B. The nurse collaborates with other disciplines during the care conference.
- C. The nurse contacts the health-care provider when pain relief is not obtained.
- D. The nurse teaches the client to ask for medication before the pain gets to a '5.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contacting the HCP for inadequate pain relief advocates for the client’s comfort. Bringing medication, collaborating, and teaching are supportive but less advocacy-focused.
The nurse must obtain surgical consent forms for the scheduled surgery. Which client would not be able to consent legally to surgery?
- A. The 65-year-old client who cannot read or write.
- B. The 30-year-old client who does not understand English.
- C. The 16-year-old client who has a fractured ankle.
- D. The 80-year-old client who is not oriented to the day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Legal consent requires mental competency; disorientation to the day suggests incapacity. Illiteracy, language barriers (with interpreters), and minors (with parental consent) do not preclude consent.
The nurse is completing a preoperative assessment on a male client who states, 'I am allergic to codeine.' Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Apply an allergy bracelet on the client's wrist.
- B. Label the client's allergies on the front of the chart.
- C. Ask the client what happens when he takes the codeine.
- D. Document the allergy on the medication administration record.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the reaction verifies the allergy type (e.g., anaphylaxis vs. nausea), guiding safe care. Bracelet, labeling, and documentation follow verification.
The nurse is administering an opioid narcotic to the client. Which interventions should the nurse implement for client safety? Select all that apply.
- A. Compare the hospital number on the MAR to the client's bracelet.
- B. Have a witness verify the wasted portion of the narcotic.
- C. Assess the client's vital signs prior to administration.
- D. Determine if the client has any allergies to medications.
- E. Clarify all pain medication orders with the health-care provider.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Verifying ID, witnessing waste, checking vital signs, and confirming allergies ensure opioid safety. Clarifying all orders is unnecessary unless unclear.
Which situation demonstrates the circulating nurse acting as the client's advocate?
- A. Plays the client's favorite audio book during surgery.
- B. Keeps the family informed of the findings of the surgery.
- C. Keeps the operating room door closed at all times.
- D. Calls the client by the first name when the client is recovering.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the OR door closed maintains privacy and asepsis, advocating for client safety. Audio books, family updates, and name use are supportive but less critical.