Nokea
The circulating nurse is planning the care for an intraoperative client. Which statement is the expected outcome?
- A. The client has no injuries from the OR equipment.
- B. The client has no postoperative infection.
- C. The client has stable vital signs during surgery.
- D. The client recovers from anesthesia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The circulating nurse’s role focuses on preventing equipment-related injuries (e.g., burns, pressure sores) intraoperatively. Infection, vital signs, and recovery are broader concerns.
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Which statement made by the client who is postoperative abdominal surgery indicates the discharge teaching has been effective?
- A. I will take my temperature each week and report any elevation.
- B. I will not need any pain medication when I go home.
- C. I will take all of my antibiotics until they are gone.
- D. I will not take a shower until my three (3)-month checkup.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Completing antibiotics prevents infection, a key teaching point. Weekly temperature checks are excessive, pain medication is often needed, and showering is allowed sooner.
Which laboratory result would require immediate intervention by the nurse for the client scheduled for surgery?
- A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL.
- B. Bleeding time two (2) minutes.
- C. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL.
- D. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (2.4 mEq/L, normal 3.5–5.0) risks arrhythmias during anesthesia, requiring immediate intervention. Normal calcium, bleeding time, and hemoglobin are safe.
The 68-year-old client scheduled for intestinal surgery does not have clear fecal contents after three (3) tap water enemas. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the surgeon of the client's status.
- B. Continue giving enemas until clear.
- C. Increase the client's IV fluid rate.
- D. Obtain STAT serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Notifying the surgeon ensures guidance on proceeding, as unclear returns may indicate obstruction or inadequate prep, risking complications. More enemas, IV fluids, or electrolytes are secondary.
Which violation of surgical asepsis would require immediate intervention by the circulating nurse?
- A. Surgical supplies were cleaned and sterilized prior to the case.
- B. The circulating nurse is wearing a long-sleeved sterile gown.
- C. Masks covering the mouth and nose are being worn by the surgical team.
- D. The scrub nurse setting up the sterile field is wearing artificial nails.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Artificial nails harbor bacteria, violating asepsis and risking infection, requiring immediate intervention. Sterilized supplies, masks, and long-sleeved gowns (if non-sterile role) are appropriate.
Which client would the nurse identify as having the highest risk for developing postoperative complications?
- A. The 67-year-old client who is obese, has diabetes, and takes insulin.
- B. The 50-year-old client with arthritis taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- C. The 45-year-old client having abdominal surgery to remove the gallbladder.
- D. The 60-year-old client with anemia who smokes one (1) pack of cigarettes a day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Obesity, diabetes, and insulin use increase risks for infection, poor wound healing, and glycemic instability, the highest risk profile. Arthritis, cholecystectomy, and anemia/smoking are less severe.