Nokea
The client diagnosed with appendicitis has undergone an appendectomy. At two (2) hours postoperative, the nurse takes the vital signs and notes T 102.6°F, P 132, R 26, and BP 92/46. Which interventions should the nurse implement? List in order of priority.
- A. Increase the IV rate.
- B. Notify the health-care provider.
- C. Elevate the foot of the bed.
- D. Check the abdominal dressing.
- E. Determine if the IV antibiotics have been administered.
Correct Answer: C,A,B,D,E
Rationale: 1) Elevate foot of bed (Trendelenburg for hypotension); 2) Notify HCP (fever, tachycardia, hypotension suggest sepsis); 3) Increase IV rate (bolus for hypovolemia); 4) Check dressing (assess bleeding); 5) Confirm antibiotics (treat infection).
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The nurse requests the client to sign a surgical informed consent form for an emergency appendectomy. Which statement by the client indicates further teaching is needed?
- A. I will be glad when this is over so I can go home today.
- B. I will not be able to eat or drink anything prior to my surgery.
- C. I can practice relaxing by listening to my favorite music.
- D. I will need to get up and walk as soon as possible.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emergency appendectomy requires postoperative recovery, typically 1–2 days in hospital, so expecting to go home today indicates misunderstanding. NPO status, relaxation, and early ambulation are correct.
Which nursing intervention is the highest priority when administering pain medication to a client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Monitor the client's vital signs.
- B. Verify the time of the last dose.
- C. Check for the client's allergies.
- D. Discuss the pain with the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Checking allergies prevents adverse reactions, the highest safety priority. Vital signs, timing, and pain discussion follow.
The PACU nurse is receiving the client from the OR. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the client's breath sounds.
- B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula.
- C. Take the client's blood pressure.
- D. Monitor the pulse oximeter reading.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing breath sounds ensures airway patency and ventilation, the priority post-OR per ABCs. Oxygen, BP, and pulse oximetry follow airway assessment.
Which nursing task would be most appropriate to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a postoperative unit?
- A. Change the dressing over the surgical site.
- B. Teach the client how to perform incentive spirometry.
- C. Empty and record the amount of drainage in the JP drain.
- D. Auscultate the bowel sounds in all four (4) quadrants.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Emptying and recording JP drain output is a technical task within UAP scope. Dressing changes, teaching, and auscultation require nursing judgment.
The circulating nurse notes a discrepancy in the needle count. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Inform the other members of the surgical team about the problem.
- B. Assume the original count was wrong and change the record.
- C. Call the radiology department to perform a portable x-ray.
- D. Complete an occurrence report and notify the risk manager.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing the team prompts a recount and investigation, the first step to prevent retained needles. Assuming errors, ordering x-rays, or reporting are premature.