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The circulating nurse observes the surgeon tossing a bloody gauze sponge onto the sterile field. Which action should the circulating nurse implement first?
- A. Include the sponge in the sponge count.
- B. Obtain a new sterile instrument pack.
- C. Tell the surgical technologist about the sponge.
- D. Throw the sponge in the sterile trashcan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Telling the technologist ensures the contaminated sponge is removed from the sterile field, maintaining asepsis. Counting, new instruments, or trashing are secondary or incorrect.
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The nurse received a report the elderly postoperative client became confused during the previous shift. Which client problem would the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Risk for injury.
- B. Altered comfort level.
- C. Impaired circulation.
- D. Impaired skin integrity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Confusion increases fall and injury risk, the priority problem in elderly postoperative clients. Comfort, circulation, and skin integrity are secondary.
Which action by the client indicates to the nurse preoperative teaching has been effective?
- A. The client demonstrates how to use the incentive spirometer device.
- B. The client demonstrates the use of the patient-controlled analgesia pump.
- C. The client can name two (2) anesthesia agents used during surgery.
- D. The client ambulates down the hall to the nurse's station each hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using the incentive spirometer correctly prevents atelectasis, a key preoperative teaching goal. PCA use is postoperative, naming agents is unnecessary, and hourly ambulation is excessive.
The circulating nurse is positioning clients for surgery. Which client has the greatest potential for nerve damage?
- A. The 16-year-old client in the dorsal recumbent position having an appendectomy.
- B. The 68-year-old client in the Trendelenburg position having a cholecystectomy.
- C. The 45-year-old client in the reverse Trendelenburg position having a biopsy.
- D. The 22-year-old client in the lateral position having a nephrectomy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The lateral position risks brachial plexus or peroneal nerve damage due to pressure on dependent limbs, especially during prolonged surgery like nephrectomy. Other positions have lower nerve risks.
Which task would be most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Complete the preoperative checklist.
- B. Assess the client's preoperative vital signs.
- C. Teach the client about coughing and deep breathing.
- D. Assist the client to remove clothing and jewelry.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Removing clothing and jewelry is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Checklist completion, vital signs, and teaching require nursing judgment.
The nursing manager is making assignments for the OR. Which case should the manager assign to the inexperienced nurse?
- A. The client having open-heart surgery.
- B. The client having a biopsy of the breast.
- C. The client having laser eye surgery.
- D. The client having a laparoscopic knee repair.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breast biopsy is a straightforward, low-risk procedure suitable for an inexperienced nurse. Open-heart, laser eye, and laparoscopic surgeries require advanced skills.