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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The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist. Which laboratory value should be reported to the health-care provider immediately?
- A. Hemoglobin 13.1 g/dL.
- B. Glucose 60 mg/dL.
- C. White blood cells 6 (x10³/mm³).
- D. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glucose of 60 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, risking perioperative complications, requiring immediate HCP notification. Normal hemoglobin, WBC, and potassium are safe.
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.
The client one (1) day postoperative develops an elevated temperature. Which intervention would have priority for the client?
- A. Encourage the client to deep breathe and cough every hour.
- B. Encourage the client to drink 200 mL of water every shift.
- C. Monitor the client's wound for drainage every eight (8) hours.
- D. Assess the urine output for color and clarity every four (4) hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fever post-surgery often stems from atelectasis; deep breathing and coughing prevent respiratory complications, the priority. Hydration, wound monitoring, and urine assessment are secondary.
The nurse received a male client from the postanesthesia care unit. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The client's vital signs are T 97°F, P 108, R 24, and BP 80/40.
- B. The client is sleepy but opens the eyes to his name.
- C. The client is complaining of pain at a '5' on a 1-to-10 pain scale.
- D. The client has 20 mL of urine in the urinary drainage bag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension (80/40) suggest hypovolemic shock, requiring immediate intervention. Sleepiness, moderate pain, and low urine output are less urgent.
Which intervention has priority for the nurse in the surgical holding area?
- A. Verify the surgical checklist.
- B. Prepare the client's surgical site.
- C. Assist the client to the bathroom.
- D. Restrain the client on the surgery table.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Verifying the surgical checklist ensures safety (e.g., site, consent), the priority in the holding area. Site prep, bathroom assistance, and restraints are secondary or intraoperative.